Rachmaninov: Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Editorial Reviews
Album Details
The Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom is a Service of the Orthodox Church. Written in 1910, the Work Consists of Twenty Settings for Unaccompanied Four-part Chorus. Rachmaninov Follows Very Strictly the Church Rules that Required Intelligibility of the Text and the Avoidance of Polyphony. Instruments were Forbidden, with Only Unaccompanied Voices Being Permitted. The Rhythm Throughout the Work Generally Closely Follows the Natural Rhythms of the Text. Rachmaninov's Setting is Designed Primarily for Liturgical Use, but also Works Very Well Outside this Context (Indeed the Premiere was a Secular Performance.) This Work was Recorded in July 2003 in Kings' Chapel. Using an All-male Choir with Boy's Voices for the Soprano Lines Inevitably Creates a Different Sound Than the Composer Would have Known - Mixed Choirs Had Been Normal in Russia at Least from the Eighteenth Century in Those Churches that Followed the Imperial Lead in Using Westernised Music.

Tracks:

Russian Cathedral Bells
Rachmaninov / Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: Great Ektenia
Rachmaninov / Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: Hymn of Praise
Rachmaninov / Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: Hymn of the Cherubim
Bortniansky / Hymn of the Cherubim (excerpt)
Kedrov / Our Father
Rachmaninov / Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: Fervent Supplication
Rospev / The Noble Joseph
Tchaikovsky / Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 41: Amen. And with Thy Spirit
Russian Monastic Vespers (excerpt)
Rachmaninov / Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: Bless the Lord, O my Soul
Tchaikovsky / Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 41: Hymn of the Cherubim (excerpt)
Christov / Hymn of the Cherubim (excerpts/edited)
Tchaikovsky / Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 41: Our Father
Gretchaninov / I have Chosen the Blissful
Lvovski / Hymn of the Cherubim
Final Bells

Product Description

1. Russian Cathedral Bells
2. Great Ektenia
3. Hymn of Praise
4. Hymn of the Cherubim
5. Hymn of the Cherubim
6. Our Father
7. Fervent Supplication
8. The Noble Joseph
9. Amen. And with Thy Spirit
10. Russian Monastic Vespers
11. Bless the Lord, O My Soul
12. Hymn of the Cherubim
13. Hymn of the Cherubim
14. Our Father
15. I Have Chosen The Blissful
16. Hymn of the Cherubim
17. Final Bells

Format: CD

Amazon.com's Best of 1998

Although this collection intends to transport the soul, it has a tremendously potent low-end depth to it that earns high marks indeed in the worlds of vocal and liturgical music. Dmitri Bortniansky's "Hymn of the Cherubim" is performed with a gracefulness that gets a warming fatness from the production, as does Alexander Gretchaninov's "I Have Chosen the Blissful," which travels with a ringing resonance. In a year of fine choral works--check out Sequentia's Hildegard cycle box, 900 Years or Arvo Pärt's Kanon Pokajanen for a "something old, something new" mix--this collection is highly valued for its sonic integrity and its excellent anthological mix. --Andrew Bartlett

Amazon.com

Words cannot describe poignantly enough the exquisite, angelic voices that permeate the heart and exalt the soul on Sacred Treasures. The most highly regarded Russian and Bulgarian choirs sing the hymns of Rachmaninov, Tchaikovsky, Lvovski, and other composers in the Russian Orthodox Church's tradition of "Divine Worship" (worship through chant). From the first tolling bells that open the CD with a willowy, floating piece from Rachmaninov's Liturgy of St. John, to the final bells closing the door on "Hymn of the Cherubim" (Grigory Lvovski), this CD creates a gentle, distinctly Byzantine glory. The rhythms slowly wisp along while the choirs' baritones, tenors, and sopranos mesh into one expansive blessing. Meant to comprehensively gather not all Russian liturgical pieces but rather hymns that emote an inner tranquility and celestial grace, Sacred Treasures plays like a piece of heaven on Earth. --Karen Karleski

Customer Reviews:

Inner beauty.......2007-02-07

The sense of beauty emerge within us as these chorals fill the space of our head and heart. A music written by real masters and interpreted by voices rarely heard. Beautiful.

Music for the soul.......2007-01-10

One of the best renditions of the Orthodox Liturgy most famous hymns.

Hauntingly beautiful.......2006-12-28

A terrific production...a wonderful selection; great phrasing. See also "Holy Love" by 'Rossica Choir'

Divine Beauty and Peace! .......2006-12-03

I am the producer of this CD and also of "SACRED TREASURES III: Choral Masterworks From Russia and Beyond" as well as "SACRED TREASURES IV: Quiet Prayers" and "CELTIC TWILIGHT 7: Sacred Spirit". In each case, my intention was to bring together the very best performances of exceptionally beautiful, slow and peaceful sacred music. Most of the pieces on this compilation (as on the other compilations mentioned above) are filled with lush harmonies sung by large mixed choirs. All the selections are deeply nourishing to the soul.

In many cases, I chose to use excerpts from longer pieces, omitting the exultant huge crescendos and very fast sections that are typical of Russian sacred music, presenting only the slow and quiet verses. One reviewer complained about the omission of the final (loud and fast) part of the Cherubic hymns, saying this is the best part, but I completely disagree! I feel that the slow "adagio" sections are by far the most beautiful parts, and that is what you will hear on these CDs.

Different types of music serve different needs, and in today's stressful and fast-paced world, one of the most important and often neglected needs is for time out from that world--to "lay aside all earthly cares" (as the "Cherubic Hymns" on this CD prescribe) and to rest in a magical, quiet space of slow, peaceful, beauty. That peaceful beauty is available to you on all of these albums, including this one, "SACRED TREASURES: Choral Masterworks from Russia"!

A Soviet version of Russian music.......2006-05-29

I admit to some strong bias here, having sung on the recording of Tchaikovsky's Liturgy available here from the Russian Chamber Chorus of New York. I was in that choir for five years, and our conductor's view of how to properly interpret Russian music became my own.

Because of Stalin's efforts to cleanse the country of the influence of religion, many musicians and composers were sent to Siberia. They were replaced with those from peasant backgrounds. The result was a huge change in how classical Russian music was performed, becoming less subtle, more interested in brute power and flash.

This recording features a massive and powerful choir. But the listener mostly hears a series of vowel sounds, with the consonants lost in the shuffle. Dynamic range is not as large as it could be. Phrasing is largely absent and we hear a steady wall of sound instead. Precision of rhythm is spotty, what consonants we do hear are frequently smeared. Pitch and richness of tone are good, but on high notes, inevitably given the size of the choir, some members strain.

Having performed and recorded Tchaikovsky's Liturgy I am very familiar with the piece. But listening to this recording of excerpts from it I sometimes barely recognized it as the same work. Tchaikovsky gives us great artistry, frequently crecendos and decrecendos on a single phrase. Each choral voice comes and goes like a wave, not all together like a tsunami in all but a few places. The balance of voices is constantly moving.

I encourage you to listen to the samples available here of the Russian Chamber Chorus's recording of Tchaikovsky's Liturgy, compare the same pieces. This recording is more a Vegas neon version of this great artwork than the fine art it deserves to be shown as. James Oestreich, the New York Times critic, put the Russian Chamber Chorus recording at #4 on his top ten list of classical releases for 2001, and said that if you had not heard it "You only think you know Tchaikovsky."

I hope you give the real Russian classical tradition a listen. It deserves your time, and it will pay you back with a huge amount of pleasure.

Sacred Treasures III: Choral Masterworks from Russia

Average customer rating:

Absolutely FANTASTIC CD !!
Sacred and a treasure!
Absolutely wonderful
More Divine Beauty and Peace!
It Doesn't Get any Better!!!

Sacred Treasures III: Choral Masterworks from Russia

Manufacturer: Hearts of Space
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Ancient Echoes
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ASIN: B00003XB5E
Release Date: 2000-02-22

Tracks:

Alleluia, Behold The Bridegroom
Sourp Sourp (Holy Holy)
Lord Have Mercy
The Mercy Of Peace (Excerpts)
Komm Susser Tod (Bach)
Serenade
Grant Us This O Lord
Our Father
Gloria (Excerpt)
Peaceful Light (Kiev Chant)
Praise The Lord O My Soul (Greek Chant)
Blessed Art Thou O Lord (Kiev Chant)
Chorale
Amen Alleluia

Amazon.com

What could be more sublime than a wall of dark, rotund Russian voices shimmering against the rising, ornate walls of a great cathedral? Not much, and this compilation of absolutely magnificent music proves it. The label Hearts of Space returns on this third choral collection to the ominous Slavic chant of their first choral album, Sacred Treasures I, which gathered together recordings of stunning Bulgarian and Russian choirs portraying the sacred works of Rachmaninov, Tchaikovsky, and other composers. Whereas Treasures I pulled from varied sections of sacred liturgies, including solo passages, Treasures III most often stays in harmonic chant with select voices occasionally rising and rolling in polyphonic heavenly calls. The collective voice draws the emotive tension taut here, as on Rimsky-Korsakov's "Our Father," which uses the absence of darkness to later juxtapose bold, rising drama. The Kiev chant "Blessed Art Thou O Lord" sends chills down the spine as the whispering consonants of the Russian language skip across the ancient repetition like sand skitters over a stormy beach. This is a collection as breathtakingly beautiful as the Cathedral of the Dormition itself. Not to be missed. --Karen K. Hugg

Customer Reviews:

Absolutely FANTASTIC CD !!.......2007-06-28

I'll keep this short: I'm not new to chant or choral music but there are SO MANY options out here that it's hard to know which ones are worth buying. I've got a few titles in my budding collection but I have to say that this particular recording is FANTASTIC. It is at once awe inspiring, meditative, and peaceful. Simply wonderful...

Sacred and a treasure!.......2007-06-11

Wow! This is as good as the first Sacred Treasures if not better. These holy and divine works are truly "the speech of angels".

Absolutely wonderful.......2006-12-28

I've really become taken with Russian choral music as of late. I've tried to get my hands on every recording I can, and amongst them all this is one of the very best. The phrasing, tonality and selection is terrific.

More Divine Beauty and Peace!.......2006-12-03

I am the producer of this CD and also of the first CD in the Sacred Treasures series called "SACRED TREASURES: Choral Masterworks From Russia" as well as of "SACRED TREASURES IV: Quiet Prayers" and "CELTIC TWILIGHT 7: Sacred Spirit". In each case, my intention was to bring together the very best performances of exceptionally beautiful, slow and peaceful sacred music. Most of the pieces on this compilation (as on the other compilations mentioned above) are filled with lush harmonies sung by large mixed choirs. All the selections are deeply nourishing to the soul.

In many cases, I chose to use excerpts from longer pieces, omitting the exultant huge crescendos and very fast sections that are typical of Russian sacred music, presenting only the slow and quiet verses. Different types of music serve different needs, and in today's stressful and fast-paced world, one of the most important and often neglected needs is for time out from that world--to "lay aside all earthly cares" (as the text to a Russian "Cherubic Hymn" prescribes) and to rest in a magical, quiet space of slow, peaceful, beauty. That peaceful beauty is available to you on all of these compilations, including this one, "SACRED TREASURES III"...

It Doesn't Get any Better!!!.......2006-10-09

Having collected a decent library of sacred music over the years I can readily attest that this is the best sacred music CD that I own, my second favorite being a requiem chant by the monks of Solesmes. Further, upon listening to this CD everyone I know seems to respond to it with the same enthusiasm. Track 10 is my personal favorite, but there are no weak pieces here. The entire production hangs together well. Can't recommend it enough to novice or seasoned liturgical music listener.

Sergey Rachmaninov: Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31

Average customer rating:

Just wish I could hear it better
This sure doesn't [sound] like Kansas!
Not just beautiful but awesome...
Heavenly
Not just good, but THE BEST

Sergey Rachmaninov: Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31

Manufacturer: Nimbus Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Sergei Rachmaninoff: Vespers (Mass for Unaccompanied Chorus)
Rachmaninov: Vespers
Alleluia: An American Hymnal
Rachmaninov: Vespers
Russian Divine Liturgy

ASIN: B0000037H6
Release Date: 1996-10-15

Tracks:

Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: No. 1, The Great Litany
Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: No. 2, Bless The Lord, O My Soul
Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: No. 2, The Little Litany
Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: No. 3, Glory To The Father...Only Begotten Son
Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: No. 3, The Little Litany
Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: No. 4, In Thy Kingdom
Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: No. 5, Come, Let Us Worship
Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: No. 6, O Lord, Save...Holy God
Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: No. 7, The Augmented Litany
Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: No. 8, The Cherubic Hymn

Tracks:

Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: No. 9, The Litany Of Supplication And Father, Son...
Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: No. 10, The Creed
Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: No. 11, A Mercy Of Peace
Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: No. 12, We Hymn Thee
Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: No. 13, It Is Truly Fitting
Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: No. 13, The Litany Before The Lord's Prayer
Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: No. 14, Our Father
Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: No. 15, And To Your Spirit... Only One Is Holy
Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: No. 16, Praise The Lord From The Heavens
Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: No. 17, Blessed Is He And We Have Seen
Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: No. 18, Let Our Mouths Be Filled
Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: No. 18, The Little Litany
Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: No. 19, Blessed Be The Name Of The Lord
Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: No. 20, Glory To The Father And Many Years

Amazon.com

You might not expect to find an outstandingly well-sung and idiomatic recording of so profoundly Russian a work as Sergey Vassilyevich Rachmaninoff's Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom emanating from the Heartland and a group called the Kansas City Chorale, but you would be limiting yourself and your expectations unnecessarily. This is a beautifully realized performance of a spiritually moving and harmonically lovely score. It is a more complete version than that recorded by the St. Petersburg Chamber Choir, and for that reason is the first choice in CDs of this music. --Sarah Bryan Miller

Customer Reviews:

Just wish I could hear it better.......2005-02-24

I agree with all the reviews. The quality of the performers is just astounding. The one thing that I would add, which keeps me from giving this CD a 5 star rating, is that the level is so low that I have to turn up my CD player all the way to hear some of the softer sections, and even then I have to strain to hear it. I've tried it on several players, from a Car CD player to my huge home theater, and the result is the same. Other than that, it is a great piece.

This sure doesn't [sound] like Kansas!.......2002-01-16

Don't jump to conclusions and assume that a group that calls itself the "Kansas City Chorale" can't perform the Rachmaninov "t. John Chrysostom Liturgy" the way it should be. I nearly missed out on what is a truly amazing and gorgeous recording because of musical snobbery. 'What could people in Kansas possibly know about Russian?' Apparently, quite a lot. And with the aid of the sumptuous, golden voice of Father Andre Papkov, a singer from the New England Conservatory who has made it his business to become a definitive voice in Russian liturgical singing, you get the full sense of this most gorgeous mass. I actually preferred it over several Russian recordings, sad to say, because the Kansas City Chorale was better able to capture the idiomatic style that is central to this type of singing - seamless and blended, with huge architectural harmonies and extremely effective dynamics that bely their small size (only 30 singers although they sound like at least double that). Buy this one and you won't be sorry!

Not just beautiful but awesome..........2001-07-23

For all the years,I've been looking for some kind of inspirational music to help ease and soothe the tension and all the problems of the world that I have been having.I have collected many religious songs,choral work,instrumental and so on.This one I have found while browsing on the net and someone accidentally or maybe proposedly put it in my e-mail through "beliefnet.com".When I listened it,I said to my self this is what I have been looking for.The music and the choir is so beautiful,I wondered how the choir can make such a wonderful arrangement.Sometimes I wish I could bring this CD to the next world if I'm allow to.Try it,I'm sure you will love it....

Heavenly.......2001-06-01

This Protestant loves beautiful church music whereever he can find it. And Russian Orthodox church music is just about the most beautiful in the world. As a Protestant, I obviously do not how this SHOULD sound. I only know that some of this music is so hauntingly lovely it's scary. I also know that the choir is outstanding here and that the sound quality of the CD is extraordinary.

Buy this. You won't regret it.

Not just good, but THE BEST.......2000-01-19

How do you get an an American choir from the midwest to make a superior recording of the most recorded major work in Russian Church Music? First, they use an actual Protodeacon (Fr. Andre Papkov) for the exclamations. Most recordings don't even use a deacon (which during the litanies is like listening to half of a conversation), and those recordings that do have a deacon, usually have some non-Orthodox singer come in and sing the part. This makes for a superfluous and mediocre performance by the "deacon," who usually has absolutely no knowledge of how a deacon in the Russian Orthodox Church sould sound. Second, the choir is coached by experts who specialize in the field of Russian Liturgical Music. Other recordings don't even come close to what a Russian choir should sound like. This choir has REAL "Russian" basses who are mellow and the foundation of the choral sound, and not those loud, out-of-control baritones. The sound is beautifully blended and doesn't feature the sopranos screaming above the rest of the choir, like on other recordings. Their diction is perfect and crystal clear, which makes them sound like Russians. Thus, it is no wonder why Nos. 8 (Cherubic Hymn), 12 (We Hymn Thee), and 14 (Our Father) sound like you've entered the heavenly realm.

Tracks:

Leonore Overture No.3
Trio for Piano, Violin & Cello in A minor, Op.50: I. Pezzo elegiaco
Sonata for Cello & Piano in G minor, Op.19: III. Andante

Tracks:

A Poet's Love, Op. 48: In the lovely month of May...
A Poet's Love, Op. 48: From my tears spring up...
A Poet's Love, Op. 48: The rose, the lily, the dove, the son...
A Poet's Love, Op. 48: When I look into your eyes...
A Poet's Love, Op. 48: I will dip my soul....
A Poet's Love, Op. 48: The Rhine, the holy river...
A Poet's Love, Op. 48: I bear no grudge...
A Poet's Love, Op. 48: And if the flowers knew, the little ones...
A Poet's Love, Op. 48: There is playing of flutes and fiddles...
A Poet's Love, Op. 48: When I hear the song...
A Poet's Love, Op. 48: A boy loves a girl...
A Poet's Love, Op. 48: In the bright summer morning...
A Poet's Love, Op. 48: I cried my dream...
A Poet's Love, Op. 48: Every night in my dreams I see you...
A Poet's Love, Op. 48: Out of the old fairy tales...
A Poet's Love, Op. 48: The old evil songs...
Concerto for 2 Violins & Orchestra in D minor, BWV 1043: I. Vivace
Concerto for 2 Violins & Orchestra in D minor, BWV 1043: II. Largo ma non tanto
Concerto for 2 Violins & Orchestra in D minor, BWV 1043: III. Allegro
Pater Noster
'Hallelujah' Chorus from Messiah

Customer Reviews:

Most neglected Dichterliebe by Fischer-Dieskau.......2001-04-06

All lovers of Lieder seem to have a certain passion and veneration for Fischer-Dieskau's interpretation of Schumann's Dichterliebe. It is appearant that this singer's understanding of the music, his vocal capacity, his beautiful phrasing, clear diction, and his general (outstanding) musicianship enable him to communicate these Lieder in a way nobody else has done before (save maybe Hotter) or since.

In this live-recording he is supported by no other than Vladimir Horowitz! And the inspiration between these two artists works wonders. Horowitz' playing in crucial moments of the cycle fx "Ich Grolle Nicht" adds a spiritual dimension to the interpretation that you do not get from Moore, Brendel or Demus. We are dealing with the best interpretation of this cycle ever conveyed to disc.

Tracks:

Overture
Russian National Anthem
Oh Fields My Fields, Song Of The Plains
The Sacred War
In The Sunny Clearing
Kalinka
We Sing To Thee
On The Road
Smuglianka
A Partisan's Song
Along The Peterskaya Road
Dark Eyes
Chorus Of The Hebrew Slaves
Bandit's Chorus
Spanish Medley: Amapola/Valencia/Granada
Excerpt From 'Boris Godunov'
March Of The Toreadors
Nessun Dorma
Di Quella Pira
Katyusha
Moscow Nights

Customer Reviews:

"arguably the world's best in choral & dance".......2005-02-09

Silva Classics presents "Live in Paris", featuring The Red Army Choir, Orchestra and Dance Ensemble with some of the most impressive musicians and singers numbering over 400 members...when you listen to this album, voices ring true and clear with the gusto of "RUSSIAN NATIONAL ANTHEM" and "KALINKA" seem to jump out at you...these recordings are priceless and have brought the years to the forefront, when this male choir took first place at the Paris Universal Exhibition in 1937.

Silva Classics has taken the reins to bring the "ultimate" of full choir sounds, including classical suites and traditional songs...if you love superb vocals with rich and vibrant styles...21 selections guaranteed to take your breath away...rich harmonies and the amalgamation of voices makes the music eternal...among the best choirs of the planet...this album has it all.

My highlight picks are the "CHORUS OF THE HEBREW SLAVES" (from "Nabucco"), "BANDIT'S CHORUS" (from "Ernant"), "SPANISH MEDLEY:AMAPOLA I VALENCIA I GRANADA", Excerpt from "BORIS GODUNOV", "MARCH OF THE TOREADORS" (from "Carmen")", "NESSUN DORMA" (from "Turandot"), "DE QUELLA PIRA" (from "Il Travatore"), outstanding arrangements and excellent performances within each members sections, a must have for your music collection...every performance is remarkable, completely above all expectations...if you love the classics, this will satisfy your cravings.

Total Time: 77:00 on 21 Tracks ~ Silva America 6038 ~ (2/08/2005)

Average customer rating:

Some Glorious and Well-Sung Hymns!
Beautiful
Like Adding Sugar and Honey to Syrup
Good choir but not best choice of music
Stunning

Bluebird: Voices from Heaven
Edward Higginbottom , Charles Gounod , Edvard Grieg , Gerald Finzi , Alexander Tikhonovich Grechaninov , Sir Henry Walford Davies , Sergey Rachmaninov , John Tavener , John Taverner , Claudio Monteverdi , Gioachino Rossini , Olivier Messiaen , Arvo Part , Edgar Leslie Bainton , Helen Tunstall , Edward Higgenbottom , and Choir Of New College Oxford
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The John Rutter Christmas Album
Agnus Dei II: Music to soothe the soul
Agnus Dei: Music of Inner Harmony
Eric Whitacre: The Complete A Cappella Works, 1991-2001

ASIN: B000050AQA
Release Date: 2001-03-13

Tracks:

What Sweeter Music
The Blue Bird
Te Lucis Ante Terminum (After 'Song Of The Birds') - Helen Tunstall/The Choir Of New College Oxford/Edward Higginbottom
Crux Fidelis (After 'Ombra Mai Fu' From 'Xerxes')
Ave Maria - Ben Hulett/Helen Tunstall/The Choir Of New College Oxford/Edward Higginbottom
Ave Maris Stella
Lo, The Full, Final Sacrifice, Op.26: Amen
Liturgy Of St John Chrysostom No.2, Op.29: Veruyu (Creed) - Ben Hulett/The Choir Of New College Oxford/Edward Higginbottom
God Be In My Head
Lugebat David (After 'Pavane', Op.50)
All Night Vigil, Op.37: Lord, Now Lettest Thou - Ben Hulett/The Choir Of New College Oxford/Edward Higginbottom
Beati Quorum Via
Song For Athene
All Night Vigil, Op.37: Blessed Is The Man
Mater Christi
Ave Maris Stella
O Salutaris Hostia
O Sacrum Convivium!
Sieben Magnificat-Antiphonen: O Weisheit
And I Saw A New Heaven

Customer Reviews:

Some Glorious and Well-Sung Hymns! .......2006-02-27

I was surprised to read the wide variation of reactions to this CD, which I read whilst re-hearing it. Talk about one man's meat being another man's poison!

Let me say at the outset, I am one who found the disk to be delicious meat, and far from poison. While I, too, was a bit fearful when I saw the number of re-arranged familiar works, I approached them with an open mind, prepared to enjoy them or not as the listening experience unfolded, with no odious comparisons nor particular expectations nor religious purposes in mind. I will speak then of my musical experience listening to the disk.

I enjoyed the music immensely, and was grateful for the provision of texts and translations (in lieu of any other notes about the pieces). I found the variety of cultures, styles, periods, and level of familiarity a very refreshing reminder of the countless ways in which composers of various times and places have approached Christian ideas (for no other religion is represented here).

Let me say a word or two about the individual pieces, then offer a very brief summary.

First, the Rutter hymn "What Sweeter Music" was familiar to me, but I delighted in its sheer loveliness, almost as if it were the first time! I had to play it several times before proceeding. We all owe John Rutter a great deal for his musical contribution to our times.

I was impressed with the beauty and imagination of Stanford's setting of Mary Coleridge's "Blue Bird." Not really a hymn, I suppose, it speaks of joy in nature, reminiscent in basic idea to "All Things Bright and Beautiful," though not musically similar.

The rendering of the Catalan folksong (brought to us originally by Pablo Casals) as a hymn with 7th century Ambrosian text was a welcome chance to re-hear that lovely music, and not as the Christmas carol "El Cant dels Ocells" ("The Song of the Birds"). Higginbottom's arrangement, with harp accompaniment, is very atmospheric and gorgeous.

The setting of Handel's "Ombra Mai Fu" (from his opera Xerxes) was a bit difficult to separate from its original context simply because of its immense popularity; still I managed to suppress those connotations, and found the new topic really not so different, after all. The "Crux Fidelis" text speaks of the holy cross as a "noble tree," while in Xerxes the aria renders thanks to a tree for its shade. The choral arrangement, sung in unison, with string accompaniment is tasteful and musical.

The Bach-Gounod "Ave Maria" is another extremely familiar hymn, but this one is not so much different from its Gounod setting. Higginbottom has simply added a choral accompaniment to the original vocal solo and used the harp to provide instrumental support. The tenor, Ben Hulett, sings very beautifully, as does the chorus behind him, and the balance is fine overall, though some might prefer the soloist to be more prominent in one or two spots.

I was glad to be reminded of Grieg's "Ave Maris Stella," which I had forgotten about, and of his expertise in writing for voice. His most popular works are undoubtedly the instrumental "Peer Gynt Suite" and the piano concerto. Here we get back to original versions again. I enjoyed this, though the intensity of the choral singing may be too much for some.

The "Amen" by Finzi shows a delightful interweaving of voices and some delicious harmonies within its short span (hardly more than 60 seconds).

Grechaninov's "Veruyu," or "Credo" from the important Russian Orthodox Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom brings to us the lovely, mystical chant of the all-male church choirs with their ultra-high tenors and ultra-low basses offering a huge richness of (unaccompanied) vocal sound. This is lovely and devout-sounding music, dramatically presented!

The utterly simple and ravishingly beautiful "God Be In My Head," by HW Davies, is probably alone worth the price of the CD! The choral singing here is absolutely first-rate.

The arrangement of Faure's "Pavane" is one of the more problematic pieces, being again so very familiar to us all in the original flute and strings version. I was rather pleased with the choral arrangement, perhaps perversely, for I have grown a bit tired of hearing the original. The 15th century Latin words seem to me appropriate to the emotional character of Faure's music, being very mournful indeed. (Faure's title is simply the name of a very old Italian dance from Padua, so I don't know if he meant it to be sad.)

The 2 selections from Rachmaninov's setting of an "All Night Vigil" (tracks 11 and 14) present music from the Russian Orthodox church, as did Grechaninov's, and the musical style is quite similar. For a piano virtuoso, Rachmaninov astounds us with his fine choral writing. Listen for the extremely low bass notes at the end of track 11, but don't try them at home: they're really subterranean! Track 14 "Blessed Is the Man" is a remarkably fine hymn with lovely Alleluias at the end of each verse.

Stanford's "Beata Quorum Via" is another expert piece of choral writing, and it is quite beautiful as presented here, a capella, with lovely interweaving voices in varied textures.

The "Song for Athene," by contemporary English composer Sir John Tavener, is a lament for the death of a woman, with words from Shakespeare and the Russian Orthodox funeral service and music very reminiscent of the Russian music presented earlier, except that 20th century touches appear here and there in the form of dissonances which occur suddenly and then resolve quickly back into the predominant, often austere, harmony.

"Mater Christi" is by John Taverner (not Tavener!), a 16th century English composer of church music, much of which is fairly well known today. This is a fine, longish Marian hymn sung a capella in Latin.

Monteverdi provides another Marian hymn whose Latin text is very familiar and much used, being the "Ave Maris Stella." The chorus is supported by organ and chamber orchestra, and all perform well. Very fine music!

Rossini, of operatic fame, puts on his ecclesiastical mantle here to offer a hymn to words of St. Thomas Aquinas, "O Salutaris Hostia," which is appropriately devout in character and as dramatic as you might expect. It's also a lovely a capella hymn.

Messiaen's "O Sacrum Convivium" is, like Rossini's, a hymn which centers upon the Paschal victim as recalled in the holy communion, but this time in the exquisite and piquant harmonies characteristic of the 20th century French mystical composer.

Arvo Part is a contemporary Estonian composer (born 1935) of a mystical character akin to Messiaen's and Tavener's. "O Weisheit," a hymn to Divine Wisdom, is sung in German and has a chant-like quality.

"And I Saw a New Heaven," a liturgical anthem, is the best-known work of the 20th century English composer Edgar Bainton, who is less well known than most of the others here (two of whom--Davies and Stanford-- were his teachers). The English text, from the Book of Revelations, is highly mystical and prophetic, and the music, for chorus and organ, is absolutely glorious!

Though some have complained about the singing and the recording quality here, I don't agree with them overall. There are points where the intensity of the voices in the perhaps overly resonant environment may seem a bit harsh, but such points are relatively few, and I find the many moments of exquisite delight outweigh them by far. Thus I recommend this CD highly for the large amount of musical satisfaction it brings.

Beautiful.......2005-12-06

I love this cd. I don't use it for serious listening - perhaps it is too sweet for that as the previous reviewer suggests, and perhaps there are better renditions. All I know is that this cd is wonderful to fall asleep or wake up to - and listening to it never fails to make me feel peaceful and happy. I recommend it.

Like Adding Sugar and Honey to Syrup.......2002-10-10

This disc largely consists of sticky-sweet, bastardized choral arrangements done in a saccharine style. The pieces whose texts are set to familiar "Top 40" classical works are really quite tasteless- Lugebat David and Crux Fidelis being the worst of them.

The recording has been made with a manufactured sound in an unusually resonant space, which has allowed the producer to gloss over a startling number of sloppy entrances, a poor blend, occasional pitch problems, and a shrill soprano section.

Borrow the disc from your library and listen to the transcriptions for the novelty of it- but for more legitimate recordings of the Rutter, the Messaien, Part and Rachmaninov, you'd best look elsewhere.

Good choir but not best choice of music.......2002-06-17

This is my first and, as yet, only recording of the Choir of New College Oxford, and I must say I am not wholly enamored with it. The choir makes a lovely sound and the quality is good, but I just cannot bring myself to enjoy the choice of music itself. I have listened through several times and only a handful of pieces capture my fancy - the Rachmaninov, Tavener, and Rossini, in particular - with the rest of the music simply too romantic and "ordinary" for me. To be blunt, I find the program rather boring. As for the singing, it is mostly beautiful but perhaps a little "too much" for lengthy listening - the vibrato is, for me, slightly overdone in places and the trebles sound a bit shrill and/or flat on occasion. However, I am certainly not going to argue that the quality of this ensemble is anything less than first-class; I would just prefer to hear then performing what to my taste would be a more interesting program.

Stunning.......2002-05-16

When I first got this album, I listened to only the first three tracks, while I prayed in the morning and the evening. One night, I accidentally fell asleep with the CD still playing, and I awoke to hear Gabriel Faure's beautiful "Lugebat David". Soon after, I listened to the entire album and was blown away by its utter beauty. The voices are perfect, the arrangements luminous, and they create an ethereal mood. I still listen to this album when I pray, for it puts me in the best frame of mind for that exercise.

Among my favorites on the album are: "What Sweeter Music" (Rutter), "The Bluebird" (Stanford), "Song For Athene" (Tavener), "Nyne otpushehayeshi" (Rachmaninov), "O Weisheit" (Part), and "God Be In My Head" (Davies). But, the reason I gave this album five stars is it breathes as a whole: beyond my favorite tracks, every song is stellar. If you own no other choral music, you should own this album

Rachmaninov: Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom
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a nice change from "gloria in excelsis deo" (... in infinitum :p )

exhale

Excellent "follow-up" to All-Night Vigil

Rachmaninov: Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Rachmaninoff: Vespers / Cleobury, King's College Choir

Sergei Rachmaninoff: Vespers (Mass for Unaccompanied Chorus)

Russian Divine Liturgy

Rachmaninov: Vespers

Rachmaninov: All-Night Vigil

ASIN: B0001E8C00
Release Date: 2004-03-08

Tracks:

Blessing/Great Litany
First Antiphon
Small Litany
Second Antiphon
Small Litany
Third Antiphon
Little Entrance
Trisagion
Cherubic Hymn
Litany Of Supplication
The Creed
'Mercy And Peace'
'We Praise You'
Hymn To The Mother Of God
'First Of All Remember, Lord'
The Lord's Prayer
'One Is Holy'
Communion Verse
Communion Of The Faithful
Let Our Mouths Be Filled'
Small Litany
'Blessed Be The Name Of The Lord'
Dismissal And Blessing/Many Years

Album Details

The Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom is a Service of the Orthodox Church. Written in 1910, the Work Consists of Twenty Settings for Unaccompanied Four-part Chorus. Rachmaninov Follows Very Strictly the Church Rules that Required Intelligibility of the Text and the Avoidance of Polyphony. Instruments were Forbidden, with Only Unaccompanied Voices Being Permitted. The Rhythm Throughout the Work Generally Closely Follows the Natural Rhythms of the Text. Rachmaninov's Setting is Designed Primarily for Liturgical Use, but also Works Very Well Outside this Context (Indeed the Premiere was a Secular Performance.) This Work was Recorded in July 2003 in Kings' Chapel. Using an All-male Choir with Boy's Voices for the Soprano Lines Inevitably Creates a Different Sound Than the Composer Would have Known - Mixed Choirs Had Been Normal in Russia at Least from the Eighteenth Century in Those Churches that Followed the Imperial Lead in Using Westernised Music.

Customer Reviews:

a nice change from "gloria in excelsis deo" (... in infinitum :p ).......2005-11-15

I must say this is a very welcome change from the usual "gloria in excelsis deo" etc that I hear all the time in (mostly early) choral/vocal music. Not that I'm really sick of it, that's just what I'm used to & it's where I'm coming from. So compared to those recordings this one is sounds 'less complicated' than other choral music I have, I assume because of the restrictions on the composer. Most of the words are intelligible which also sets this work apart from the old-school stuff I'm used to. That's where the differences end though; although Rachmaninoff is a modern composer especially compared with Victoria, Rore, Palestrina, Morales, etc this work sounds like it was composed hundreds of years ago. I go for that old-school stuff because modern music usually sounds too discordant & 'weird' to me, but I really like this album. It doesn't sound like 20th-century stuff.

exhale.......2005-07-08

This is a difficult set of music to review because it is profoundly spiritual in a way that can be off-putting for a Westerner not fluent in a Slavic language. I had this album for months before I really sat down and listened to the whole thing through, beginning to end. I sampled parts of the liturgy, finding the trisagion ("Thrice Holy") to be one I came back to frequently. For whatever reason, I found this "accessible", but it's likely that each listener will find some thing for his heart and mind to replay and relive after one or two listenings. Over time, I found the litanies to be especially profound. Normally, we think of a litany as a long list of whiny grievances. Many people who use the word in this way are unfamiliar with the sublime form it takes in Orthodox and Byzantine Catholic worship. The choir beautifully and faithfully recreates the meaning of a litany -- a profound supplication having its origin in the very core of human existence before the throne of God. If you turn up the volume up on the Litany of Supplication and listen to the phrasing of the breaths, you understand what Scripture means when it says that the Holy Spirit intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words. At least, this is what came to my mind as I listened. One senses in the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom that the Spirit is teaching us to pray more deeply. The choir masterfully expresses the beautiful synthesis of longing and hope that marks the life of every Christian during mortal existence. The baritones in the choir provide an earthly fortress from which the higher voices arc into heaven. The world is both body and soul, heaven and earth and the music reflects the essential sanctity of God's creation. Rachmaninov's interpretation of the liturgy is a profound repudiation of materialism and fleeting human whims and emotions, but it never strays into gnosticism. It refines the fleeting sentiments, elevating and anchoring them to eternity. It compels us to accept the burden of life with hope and joy so long as we ground ourselves firmly in prayer and devotion. God permeates our existence: the arrangement of voices tell us this emphatically and irresistibly. Another thing to look for -- and it helps to follow along in the libretto -- is the conversation between the priest, deacon and choir. There's a Trinitarian element present in the liturgy that demands our awareness and understanding.

Excellent "follow-up" to All-Night Vigil.......2004-05-24

Definitely for fans of Cleobury & King's interpretation of Vespers by the same composer, a recording that was not w/o some detractors ("English AND all-male tackling Russian Orthodox? What will they think of next...?"). Very heart-felt and dynamic vocal "shadings" in the Liturgy that are faithful to the authoritative (Russian) editions of Rachmaninov's score. Truly rewarding.

Rachmaninov: The Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

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Rachmaninov: The Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000002ZTX
Release Date: 1994-10-25

Tracks:

The Divine Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: The Great Litany
The Divine Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: The First Antiphon: Bless The Lord, O my soul
The Divine Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: The Second Antiphon: Glory Be To The Father- Only - Begotten Son
The Divine Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: The Third Antiphon: In Your Kingdom
The Divine Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: The Little Entrance: Come, Let Us Worship
The Divine Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: Trisagion: Lord, We Pray That You May Be Mercifil - Holy God
The Divine Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: The Augmented Litany
The Divine Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: Cherubic Hymn
The Divine Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: Litany Of Supplication
The Divine Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: The Creed: I Believe
The Divine Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: The Eucharistic Prayer: A Mercy Of Peace
The Divine Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: We Praise You
The Divine Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: Hymn To The Mother Of God: It Is Truly Meet
The Divine Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: The Lord's Prayer: Our Father
The Divine Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: One Is Holy
The Divine Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: Communion Hymn: Praise The Lord From The Heavens
The Divine Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: Blessed Is He - We Have Seen The True Light
The Divine Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: Hymn Of Praise: Let Our Mouths Be Filled With Your Praise
The Divine Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: Blessed Be The Name Of The Lord
The Divine Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: Dismissal

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Christus factus est
A fantastic recording
Exquisite!
Another sterling Cambridge Singers disc

Images of Christ

Manufacturer: Collegium
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Lost in Meditation: Meditative Gregorian Chants, Vol. 1

ASIN: B0000031I4
Release Date: 2000-02-29

Tracks:

Let all mortal flesh keep silence
Veni, Redemptor gentium
Hodie Christus natus est
Omnes de Saba venient
Ich bin ein rechter Weinstock
The crown of roses
Vo tsarvii Tvoyem (The Beatitudes)
Pater noster
Christus factus est
Good Friday Reproaches (Improperia)
Eram quasi agnus
O vos omnes
Crucifixus (for eight voices)
Surgens Jesus
Ascendo ad Patrem
Viri Galilaei
Jesu, dulcis memoria
Ave verum Corpus
Pange lingua
Agnus Dei
O sacrum convivium

Customer Reviews:

Christus factus est.......2005-09-23

This disc concentrates on images of Christ in a capella music over the centuries. According to Rutter, 'Around the figure of Christ there has grown up over the centuries a body of choral literature that can only be described as among the most remarkable in western civilisation.'

--Music--
Selections on this disc come from all over the Western world. They range from as early as eleventh-century France to twentieth-century Russia, a millennium in song and composition. Rutter has selected five major themes - the Coming of Christ (Advent and Christmas), the Words of Christ (lesson texts and prayers, such as the Lord's Prayer, by Stravinsky), the Passion of Christ (Holy Week and Good Friday), the Resurrection and Ascension (Easter), and Christ in the Eucharist (worship and ongoing presence).

Here is a mixture of sacred compositions ranging from standard Gregorian chant and Sarum chant to medieval compositions from Palestrina, de Victoria and Byrd, up to more modern composers such as Tchaikovsky, Stravinsky, Bruckner, Barber, and Messiaen. This being said, Rutter states, 'The aim [of this disc] is not a liturgical reconstruction, nor an historical survey, but rather a journey of the imagination.'

--Liner Notes--
The notes for this recording include the titles and words of each anthem or hymn, both in original language and English translation text. The notes for each piece also includes brief biographical information of the composer, and unique information about each work, when particular composers are represented more than once. One thing conspicuously missing is much biographical information about John Rutter, or any descriptive information about the Cambridge Singers. Happily, this disc does have a list of the singers.

--John Rutter--
Rutter was born in London and educated at Clare College, Cambridge. This was where his career as a composer, arranger and conductor began. His early work was with groups at King's College Chapel at Cambridge as well as the Bath Choir and Philharmonic Orchestra. He has worked for the BBC providing music for educational series such as 'The Archaeology of the Bible Lands', until in 1979 he began forming the Cambridge Singers, and has continued a remarkable career of performance and recording as their director ever since.

--The Cambridge Singers--
The Cambridge Singers are a mixed choir of voices, many of whom were members of choir of Rutter's college, Clare College, Cambridge. While they specialise in English and Latin liturgical pieces, they have a wide range of recordings that span from modern compositions (including a remarkable requiem by Rutter) to English folk songs of the Middle Ages. Many are former members of the choir of Clare College and other Cambridge collegiate choirs (hence the name, Cambridge Singers). In the quarter-century since the founding, the Cambridge Singers have produced an impressive body of recordings.

A fantastic recording.......2000-06-06

This collection of music from the last thousand years is masterful from start to finish. From well-known mainstays of choral repertoire such as Lotti's "Crucifixus" and Casals' "O Vos Omnes" to the more seldom heard pieces, such as Rachmaninov's setting of the Beatitudes, the listener is treated to musically sympathetic and disciplined performances. Even if, like me, you're not of a religious persuasion, you'll love every minute of it.

There are so many highlights to this album it becomes cruel to say any piece was not among them. The Barber Adagio/Agnus Dei is a masterwork, and the Cambridge Singers' discipline and pathos make the arrangement come alive in ways the strings simply can't.. The Lotti "Crucifixus" (an enduring classic), Casals "O Vos Omnes" (a beautiful and moving work, conveying the suffering of the Passion without garishness) and Byrd's enchanting "Viri Gallilei" are fantastic and provide more than enough reason to buy the album. The Messaien "O Sacrum Convivium," with its subtly sensuous harmonies and the Bairstow "Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence" with its haunting melody and varied textures will silence any who say that church music has become a lost art in the 20th Century. Palestrina's phrases soar as though on the wings of angels (particularly in "Hodie Christus Natus Est.") And Bruckner, as always in his good moments, is as sexy as the Church would let him be.

While the inclusion of some Stanford or Tallis would have been fantastic, this album stands as one that should be in the library of anyone who loves choral music, along with "Hail Gladdening Light" and "Faire is the Heaven."

In short, BUY THIS ALBUM. You'll love it.

Exquisite!.......1999-03-08

The selections are gorgeously sung and spiritually moving beyond anything I can think of, right up there with Verdi's Requiem. My teen, who thinks rock music is the only music, was so moved by Samuel Barber's Agnus Dei, that she asked for her own copy of the CD. If you are already a believer, this music will remind you why you are. If not, it might just take you there.

Another sterling Cambridge Singers disc.......1998-09-10

This is a marvelous collection of choral music, notably Lotti's Crucifixus (in eight parts), and a stunning rendition of Barber's Agnus Dei (his choral arrangement of the Adagio for Strings, which was itself his arrangement for string orchestra of the Adagio from his String Quartet). Highly recommended!

Angels of Ecstasy / Heppner, Kasarova, Ozawa, Davis, Sweet

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True Masterpiece
Angelic ecstasy

Angels of Ecstasy / Heppner, Kasarova, Ozawa, Davis, Sweet
Gustav Mahler , Gabriel Fauré , Pietro Mascagni , Johann Sebastian Bach , Johannes Brahms , Giuseppe Verdi , Gregorio Allegri , John Tavener , Arrigo Boito , Samuel Barber , Thomas Tallis , Hildegard of Bingen , Sergey Rachmaninov , National Philharmonic Orchestra , Freiburg Baroque Orchestra , Boston Symphony Orchestra , Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra , Bavarian Radio Orchestra , La Scala Theater Orchestra & Chorus , The New Company , Elizabeth Glen Sequentia , Richard Marlow , Vladimir Minin , James Levine , John McCarthy , Thomas Hengelbrock , Seiji Ozawa , Sir Colin Davis , Mykola Gobdych , Riccardo Muti , and Harry Bickett
Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Angels of Ecstasy, Vol. 2

ASIN: B00002JXEF
Release Date: 1999-11-09

Tracks:

Requiem In C Minor, Op. 48, No. 7 In Paradisum - Richard Marlow
Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, OP. 31. Bless the Lord, O My Soul - Moscow Chamber Choir
Cavelleria Rusticana Regina Coeli, Laetare-Alleluja! - John McCarthy
Mass In B Minor BWV 232 Kyrie Eleison - Freiburger Barockorchester
Requiem In C Minor, Op. 48, No. 4 Pie Jesu - Boston Symphony Orchestra
Ein Deutsches Requiem, Op. 45, No. 4 Wie Lieblich Sind Deine Wohnungen - Sir Colin Davis
Messa Da Requiem, No. 4 Sanctus - Sir Colin Davis
Miserere Mei, Deus - Richard Marlow
Svyati 'O Holy One' (Abridged) - Mykola Gobdych
Mefistofele Ave Signor, Degli Angeli - Riccardo Muti
Angus Dei - Choir Of Trinity College, Cambridge
Spem In Alium - The New Company
O Pastor Animarum - Barbara Thornton
Symphony No. 8 In E-Flat Major 'symphonie der tausend' alles vergangliche ist nur ein gleichnis - Chor Des Bayerischen Rundfunks

Customer Reviews:

True Masterpiece.......2004-01-29

This CD is a jewel of the world of music. If you close your eyes, you can picture yourself in a European cathedral during Midieval times. This CD guarantees relaxation and comfort. It shall bring with it, elegance and class to any home. Buy this CD.

Angelic ecstasy.......1999-12-03

A splendid collection of orchestral religious music. Soothing, exquisite, and an excellent cross section. Brahms, Lloyd-Weber, Mascagni, Faure and many others with pieces selected for beautiful contemplative listening. A perfect musical elegy for rainy wintry days, lined with the glow of spiritual peace and hope. A gem of a CD - every friend of mine who has heard this CD wants it.

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