Orthodox Chants from Russia

1. Psalm 104

2. Great Litany [Liturgical Chant]

3. Blessed Is the Man [Kiev Chant]

4. Lord, I Have Cried Unto Thee [Tune of the Optina Pustyn Monastery]

5. Stichera [Tune of Kiev-Pechera Lavra]

6. Glory, Stichera (At God's Beck)

7. Joyful Light [Znamenny Chant]

8. Vouchsafe, O Lord [Tune of the Optina Pustyn Monastery]

9. Stichera in the Litany [Znamenny Chant]

10. Stichera in the Versicles [Znamenny Chant]

11. Now Lettest Thou Depart

12. Hail, O Virgin

Orthodox Chants from Russia,Various Artists,Arc Music,Int'l & World Music,Pop,Russia,Russian

Average customer rating:

Beautiful!!!

Orthodox Chants from Russia

Manufacturer: Arc Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Russia | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music
General | International | Styles | Music
General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
General | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Russian Medieval Chant

Russian Divine Liturgy

Russian Chant for Vespers

Chants de la Liturgie Slavonne

Russia's Beautiful Religious Songs

ASIN: B0002IQIRY
Release Date: 2004-07-13

Tracks:

Psalm 104
Great Litany [Liturgical Chant]
Blessed Is the Man [Kiev Chant]
Lord, I Have Cried Unto Thee [Tune of the Optina Pustyn Monastery]
Stichera [Tune of Kiev-Pechera Lavra]
Glory, Stichera (At God's Beck)
Joyful Light [Znamenny Chant]
Vouchsafe, O Lord [Tune of the Optina Pustyn Monastery]
Stichera in the Litany [Znamenny Chant]
Stichera in the Versicles [Znamenny Chant]
Now Lettest Thou Depart
Hail, O Virgin

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful!!!.......2004-12-23

Simply put, this is the most beautiful chant that I have ever heard in my life. Although I am a fan of Gregorian chant and later Western developments (Renaissance-era polyphony, etc.), I was surprised - but in the best of ways! - by some of the stylistic differences between the Optina Putsyn Male Choir or St. Petersburg and, for example, the Benedictine Monks of Santa Domingo (whose "Chant" CDs were quite the rave a number of years ago). In particular, there are several songs on here in which a type of lead vocal is sung by one of the members while the rest continue their chant in the background. It makes for an absolutely stunning combination of vocal styles, as the lead vocal is song monotone! It is beautiful enough to bring tears to your eyes.

As may be expected, the Psalms and elements of the Orthodox liturgy make up several of the 12 chants found on this CD. It should be noted that this CD is not a full liturgy, however, unlike a number of other Orthodox chant CDs, which have featured the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom (for example).

The liner notes are helpful. When lyrics are available, they are translated (the entire CD is sung in Russian); when they are not given (for whatever reason), the song is explained. According to the notes, the Optina Putsyn Male Choir of St. Petersburg is composed of seven men whose musical efforts were blessed by the Orthodox Patriarch of Russian back in 1996. It appears that although they have been performing together for a number of years, this is their first CD this side of the Atlantic (or, depending on where you are at, this side of the Pacific).

If you are a fan of religious music, particularly chant or other forms of contemplative music, this is a great CD to add to your collection. It may be particularly conducive to meditation, prayer and other quiet times.