Radiant Light

Editorial Reviews
Ave Maria Press, March 1998
'"Radiant Light" is sure to elicit a prayerful response in the minds, hearts and souls of all listeners.'

Tracks:

Alleluia. Behold The Bridegroom
Gentle Light
Of Thy Mystical Supper, Op. 58
The Wise Thief, Op. 40 No. 3
Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silent, Op. 27 No. 1
In the Flesh Thou Didst Fall Asleep
The Pascal Hours
Pascal Hymns To The Virgin
Today All Creation
Concerto No. 5: Come, O People (Concerto No. 5)
Give Ear To My Prayer, Op. 26

Amazon.com

The St. Petersburg Chamber Choir and their director, Nikolai Korniev, show off subbasement basses, soaring sopranos and a rich, well-blended sound in "Russian Easter," a group of eleven settings for Easter worship by Alexander Grechaninov, Dmitri Bortnyansky and other masters of Russian church music. The compositions were written variously from the 18th century through the present, but all stay true to the spirit and aesthetic of the Orthodox tradition. Those who find plainchant a little on the monotonous side but are still looking for a spiritual element in music will find much to admire and enjoy in these beautifully sung presentations. --Sarah Bryan Miller

Customer Reviews:

Understanding the Mystery of Easter.......2006-04-17

No matter the reason for focusing thoughts on higher matters at this time of year - the mysteries of Spring awakening, Passover, Easter, and the other festivals that celebrate the concept of renaissance - few recordings capture the essence of these mysteries as well as this recording of Russian Easter music.

Nikolai Korniev conducts the St Petersburg Chamber Choir in the ambience of the large cathedral in St Petersburg in a soaringly powerful recital of hymns and music written by various composers for the celebration of Easter. The choral sound is that special magic found in Russian choral singing, a sound that embraces the softest of pianissimos in contrast to the largest triple fortes grounded by that inimitable lushly rich Russian bass technique of singing.

No matter the listener's response to the Eastertide, this recording is simply some of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring choral music collected on one CD. It stirs the soul and awakens the spirit. Highly recommended - for anytime of the year, too! Grady Harp, April 06

Easter Choral music: Behold the Bridegroom is magnificent.......2004-06-06

Listening to classical radio has once more paid unexpected dividends; yet again I discover a treasure that would have escaped my notice and I would never have otherwise heard.

This disc is a collection of Easter music performed by the St. Petersburg Chamber Choir under the direction of Nikolai Korniev. It is beautifully recorded in the Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul in St. Petersburg, Russia; the wonderful acoustics of this magnificent structure adds to the spiritual effect that this music requires.

The entire CD is beautiful, but it is the very first piece on the disc (the one that I heard on radio) that caught my undivided attention, that being, " Alleluia, Behold the Bridegroom". This haunting melody played as quiet chant, repeated over and over, rises to a soft crescendo before it reaches its conclusion. It is hard to believe that this piece has gone virtually unnoticed; that it has not become a staple of sacred music through out the Christian world at Easter time. Even more astonishing is that the author of this incredible work has become lost with time; the creator, who in this case has flirted with a small measure of immortality, is simply recognized as "anonymous".

All in all, a CD that any lover of choral music (sacred or otherwise) would absolutely cherish and desire for their collection; but it is " Alleluia, Behold the Bridegroom" that will move your soul.
Highly recommended.

heaven and earth singing.......2003-11-23

From our great neighbour in the East comes this wonderful music that has served as a first aid kit for me when times have been rough and I have been driving along the Finnish countryside, just driving for many hours on roads deep into silent forests. You simply cannot maintain a hopeless and desperate feeling when listening to this music. It simply puts you back on track. And it reminds me of the fact that when really miserable you are not alone. Forget new age - this is old age music that takes your inner bad breath away and replaces it with gratitude and hope.

Music to weep with joy to..........2003-01-23

I came to this work via Loreena McKennitt's CD "The Book of Secrets" as the first track on "Russian Easter" is excerpted as the intro to her song "Dante's Prayer". So haunting is that hymn ("Alleluia, Behold the Bridegroom") that I find myself weeping every time I hear it.

We American evangelical Christians unfortunately hold the worship music of cultures other than ours at arms length. It is impossible, though, to hear this CD and not be staggered by the depth of worship it contains. Rarely does a work make me fall on my knees, but here it is in all its musical glory.

Featuring the hymns of primarily Russian composers, "Russian Easter" is a collection of eleven non-instrumental pieces performed by the remarkably adept St. Petersburg Chamber Choir. Centering around the theme of Christ's Passion, each hymn is superlative and perfectly suited for this collection.

Philips, the manufacturer/distributor, did a beautiful job with this disc, too. The sound is exquisite, particularly the bass voices, and the liner notes are very well done, including a brief exposition of each piece along with both the Cyrillic and English lyrics.

This is one CD I firmly believe every Christian should own. And if you're not in that fold yet, a few listens to "Russian Easter" will help you on your way.

Simply stunning!

Extraordinary.......2002-04-01

I rarely give five stars. I would give six if I could.

Tracks:

Ave Maria
The Lamb
Magnificat
Sing, Ye Faithful
O Magnum Mysterium
Cherubic Hymn
A Hymn To The Mother Of God
Alleluia
Viri Galilaei
Have Ye Not Known? & Ye Shall Have a Song
Song For Athene
Radiant Light
A Gaelic Blessing

Customer Reviews:

Truly Radiant.......2004-01-23

This is a beautiful work. This very skilled choir has exceptional tone, and the director knows how to get the best out of his singers in each piece. Franz Biebl's Ave Maria was written for men's choir, but the SATB version here outshines them all. Lauriden's O Magnum Mysterium shimmers as its complex harmonies weave among the parts. You will not be disappointed in this CD!

Orgasmic.......2001-08-23

What can I say. I have actually sung almost all of these anthems but just listening to them brings about such peace and tranquillity that I thought I had died and gone to heaven..a truly orgasmic experience.

Music to enrapture.......2000-05-08

I bought this for the recording of Lauridsen's "O Magnum Mysterium"; as a singer I have performed this along with other pieces on the CD. I was impressed by all of it. The choir has wonderful dynamic control and great expression. And yes, the Lauridsen moved me to tears as it always does when I sing it. This CD is a must for any lover of beautiful modern choral music

a glorious listening experience!.......2000-04-06

"...sixty-five auditioned volunteers and seven professional singers..."--that's how the CD booklet describes the make-up of Trinity Church-Boston's choir. It's clear from even the most superficial listening that this choir has been able to attract truly talented volunteers. But bringing a mostly volunteer choir to the level of musical attainment evident on this CD requires a director with a number of extraordinary skills: creating a rehearsal ambience with the right mix of challenges and rewards, immense musical sensitivity, intimate knowledge of the human voice's problems and potential, to say nothing of well-honed people skills and great patience. Brian Jones, Trinity Choir's director, obviously has these skills in abundance, and the results are evident on this CD. Perhaps the foremost of all this CD's sterling qualities is the musicality of ensemble--not merely being in perfect sync, but sensing as a corporate entity the subtle gestures, the rise and fall, the ebb and flow of the music. This is choral music at it's most satisfying. The recorded works are all wonderful--but I do believe that Trinity Church Choir and Brian Jones could send us into raptures with a performance of "Mary had a little lamb!"

Worthy buying if you love sacred choral music!.......2000-03-02

A most enjoyable CD. There's nothing atonal here but a diverse and interesting choice of mainstream modern anthems, performing with loving attention to details of diction, tuning, phrasing and expression. Patrick Gowers' 'Viri Galilaei' is a particular tour de force, with impressive sustained increase in tension up to the joyful chorale section, and a beautifully controlled final Alleluia. The polychoral contrasts in Randall Thompson's unaccompanied 'Have ye not known' are also very effective. But there are lots of goodies in this CD. A worthy addition to the library of any lover of sacred choral music. But why is it not available in UK?

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I've heard better
The Mother Lode

Sacred Songs of Russia

Manufacturer: Gloriae Dei Cantores
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Chants | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Hymns | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Psalms | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Russian Medieval Chant
Russian Divine Liturgy
Russian Christmas
Russian Church Music
Chants de la Liturgie Slavonne

ASIN: B00000IK8Q
Release Date: 1999-04-06

Tracks:

Christ Is Risen
Bless the Lord, O My Soul (Psalm 120)
Bogorodice Djevo, For Chorus
Choral Pieces (3) On Tolstoy's "Tsar Fyodor Ioanov: Bogorse ..."
Choral Pieces (3) On Tolstoy's "Tsar Fyodor Ioanov
Choral Pieces (3) On Tolstoy's "Tsar Fyodor Ioanov: PokayStih (A
Ghospodi Vozzvah/Tsar' Nebesniy
Beznevestnaya Devo
Sacred Concerto No. 6 ("Glory to God in the Highes
Cherubims' Song in C Major for Chorus
Liturgy of St John Chrysostom, For Chorus, Op. 41: Milost' Mira (A ...)
Angel Crying, For Chorus
Hymn in Honor of St. Cyril & St. Methodius, For CH
O Tebe Raduyestia (All of Creation Rejoices in You
Svete Tihiy (Radiant Light), For Chorus No. 1
Hvalite Imia Ghospdne
O Mother of God Vigilantly Praying (Sacred Concert
Litany of Supplication
Our Father (Otche Nach)

Album Description

Over the past thousand years, Russian composers have created an immensely rich and varied body of choral music and chant to express the sacred texts of the liturgy. Sacred Songs of Russia portrays the musical legacy of the Russian people, which comes as a response to the depth of their faith.

Among the noteworthy works on this recording, which contains previously released material, are two stirring works by Rachmaninoff including Bogoroditse Devo (Rejoice, O Virgin) from his All Night Vigil, opus 37, and V molitvah (The Mother of God, ever-vigilant in prayer). Perhaps most significant are the Three Choruses of Georgy Sviridov (1915-1998), composed during a time when sacred music was still actively suppressed by the Soviet regime. The three works by Peter Tchaikovsky, Milost' mira (A Mercy of Peace), Angel Vopiyashe (The Angel cried), and Hymn in Honor of SS. Cyril and Methodius, are also strong statements of the Russian faith and expression through music.

| Gloriæ Dei Cantores first toured Russia (then part of the U.S.S.R.) in the spring of 1990 to re-introduce Russian sacred choral music to their concert halls for the first time since the Russian Revolution of 1917, and participated in several liturgies of the Russian Orthodox Church. At the request of Metropolitan Alexy of Leningrad, now Patriarch of Moscow and all the Russias, Gloriæ Dei Cantores toured Russia a total of three times, returning in 1992 and 1998 to sing in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and throughout the Golden Ring. Gloriæ Dei Cantores were also among the first Western artistic groups to tour Siberia.

Customer Reviews:

I've heard better.......2006-10-04

This is not a recording that you must buy. If you really enjoy russian liturgical music, you won't hate it, but there are a lot of recordings that you would be better served with. It is true that for an american choir, they do a fine job with the language especially. Their general tone and vocal quality was a little bit lacking for me. Their basses were "ok". I thought the singing was just a little too "shouty", even for russian music. I would recommend getting a copy of the vespers as sung by the Dale Warland Singers. Another american group. . . This is the most accurate recording I have heard, and it was done live which impresses me even more!

The Mother Lode.......2005-12-13

If you are looking for a comprehensive survey of the best of the Russian Orthodox liturgical tradition, your search is over. This is the mother lode. First point: I must admit to being something of a purist, and I was at first skeptical that an American choir could perform music of this genre so convincingly; but hearing is believing. Yes, they clearly have included a few honest-to-God Russian basso ringers (and maybe one or two altos); but this is an American choir performing Russian Orthodox liturgical music the way it's supposed to sound - only better. Second point: The selection of pieces is fabulous. This choir's artistic director, Elizabeth C. Patterson, consulted with Vladimir Morosan, the Last Word on the Russian Orthodox choral tradition. The results of this collaboration are reflected in both the breadth and quality of pieces selected. This is literally a millennium of music, beginning with a sample of ancient znamenny chant and ending with three stunning meditations by the late Georgiy Sviridov. Each selection is both accessible and interesting, and a prime example of its composer and/or period. Third point: The individual pieces, with very few exceptions (such as No. 3, Rakhmaninov's `Ave Maria'), are NOT the most well-known and frequently performed warhorses of the Russian Orthodox liturgy. This is not a `Top Ten' recording. That makes this collection all the more interesting. In at least one instance (No. 15, the other Rakhmaninov offering) this may be the only recording available if you're not prepared to dig deep in the discography archives of several dozen universities and conservatories. Fourth point: This is not a new recording, but it marks a standard of quality that few performers in this genre - including native Russian choral ensembles - have since met or surpassed. Elizabeth Patterson has an innate feel for this music. In her previous life, she must have been a Russian monk. Final point: For serious musicians, musicologists and aficionados, this is a perfect gateway to a deeper understanding of this tradition. Buy it!

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Stunning
Beautiful Music
English Choir Come Close to Authentic Russian
Great Russian music and more

Ikon

Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Hymns | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Magnificats | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
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Górecki: Miserere
Ikon
Henryk Górecki: Already It Is Dusk (String Quartet No. 1, Op. 62) (1988) / Quasi una Fantasia (String Quartet No. 2, Op. 64) (1990-91) - Kronos Quartet
Ancient Echoes
Best Of Arvo Part

ASIN: B000002ZZ2
Release Date: 1997-06-10

Tracks:

Three Choruses For Tolstoy's Tsar Feodor Iannovich: Prayer
Three Choruses For Tolstoy's Tsar Feodor Iannovich: Sacred Love
Three Choruses For Tolstoy's Tsar Feodor Iannovich: A Verse of Repentance
Four Choruses From Songs Of Troubled Times: Autumn
Four Choruses From Songs Of Troubled Times: Bright Fields
Four Choruses From Songs Of Troubled Times: Spring And The Sorcerer
Four Choruses From Songs Of Troubled Times: The Ikon
The Cherubic Hymn
Radiant Light
We Hymn Thee
The Creed
The Cherubic Hymn
Our Father
Blessed Are They
Magnificat
Totus tuus
Immortal Bach

Customer Reviews:

Stunning.......2005-11-27

I first heard this recording of the Grechaninov Creed on the BBC and I just had to buy it and although I have played it many times I still find it stunning. I have come to love most of the disc and if you enjoy liturgical music a capella you will surely enjoy this.

Beautiful Music.......2005-08-12

Ikon is perhaps the best acapella CD of Russian music I have purchased. I had looked for years trying to find a certain song; and when I found it on this cd I bought it solely for that song. What a suprise to hear the rest. I listen to it at least once a day. A must Buy!

English Choir Come Close to Authentic Russian.......2003-04-05

My wife is from Russia & when we first played this CD, we thought the Choir was from Russia. No, its the Holst Singers, a group from England. How did they do it? I always like James Bowman as a counter tenor, but the Angelic Soprano is the highlight on this CD, even the bass singers sound like Russian deacons chanting biblical verses or praises to God through the Holy Doors. Most of the musical sections are classic Russian choir songs from the liturgy, but the "Four Choruses From Songs Of Troubled Times" is rather folk to maybe pagan in origin. The last 3 sections are from modern composers that fit well with the older material. We listen this CD all the time, specially before church, or during Holy Days, & believe me; the Orthodox church has a lot of Holidays :)

Great Russian music and more.......2000-05-06

If I can say one thing about Stephen Layton's Holst Singers, it's that they know how to interpret Russian music. However, the standout on this CD is one of only three songs by non-Russian composers. This particular piece is Norwegian composer Knut Nystedt's "Immortal Bach." If you like Nystedt at all, you should by this CD. "Immortal Bach" is Nystedt at his best. Other than this piece, the CD isn't spectacular. It's just good Russian music. James Bowman's countertenor voice is hard to get used to and sometimes he is a bit flat. However, the entire CD is worth "Immortal Bach." I had to wait a very long time to receive this CD, but it was well worth the wait because of the Nystedt piece.

Average customer rating:

Sounds On My Spirit

Manufacturer: Delos Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Inventions | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Choruses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Hymns | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00005O6DE
Release Date: 2001-09-11

Tracks:

Liturgy of St John Chrysostom: The Creed
Liturgy of St John Chrysostom: A Mercy of Peace
Liturgy of St John Chrysostom: We Hymn Thee
Liturgy of St John Chrysostom: It Is Truly Fitting
Gladsome Light
Praise the Lord from the Heavens, Op. 10, No. 5
What Shall We Call Thee, O Full of Grace, Op 43, No 2
O Lord Save... And Holy God, Op. 38 No. 1
It Is Truely Fitting, No 7 from Liturgy, Op. 43 No. 5
Beneath Thy Mercy We Seek Refuge, Op. 43 No. 5
Cherubic Hymn (Sofroniev Monastery Chant), Op. 27 No. 5
Gladsome Light
Gladsome Light
Hallowed Be Thy Name
Stars Are Falling in the Night
Deutsche Messe: Helig Is Der Herr [Holy Is God]
Deutsche Messe: Schlussgesang [Closing Chorus]
Komm, Trost Der Welt (Resignation)
Unser Vater [Our Father]
O Sacrum Convivium [O Sacred Banquet]
Ave Maria
Invention No 8
Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus

Average customer rating:

Sergey Rachmaninov: Vespers Op. 37

Manufacturer: Northeastern
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Average customer rating:

Mystik des Ostens, Vol. 2

Manufacturer: Capriccio
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

English | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000001WUR
Release Date: 1996-01-01

Tracks:

Vater unser
Preise den Herrn, o meine Seele
Wir loben dich, wir preisen dich
Der einsichtige Bosewicht
Heiliger Gott
Gesegnet ist der Herr
Cherubinischer Gesang
Ehre sei Gott in der Hohe
Freundliches Licht heiliger Herrlichkeit
Cherubinischer Gesang Nr. 4
Tag der Erlosung
Ehre sei Gott in der Hohe
Herr, erhore meine Stimme
Preiset den Herrn
Vater unser, der du bist im Himmel
Lobpreis der Heiligen Cyril und Methodius

Holy Radiant Light: Sacred Songs of Russia

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The Mother Lode

Holy Radiant Light: Sacred Songs of Russia
Gloriae Dei Cantores , and Elizabeth C. Patterson
Manufacturer: Gloria Dei Cantores
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000003XFG
Release Date: 1998-12-08

Customer Reviews:

The Mother Lode.......2006-01-13

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Holy Radiant Light:Sacred Songs
Elizabeth Patterson
Manufacturer: Allegro Corporation
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00000E0NW
Release Date: 1996-05-28

Gloriae Dei Cantores: Holy Radiant Light - The Sacred Song of Russia

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Gloriae Dei Cantores: Holy Radiant Light - The Sacred Song of Russia
Alexandr Dmitriyevich Kastalsky , Pavel Grigor'yevich Chesnokov , Sergey Rachmaninov , Georgy Vasilevich Sviridov , Znamenny Chant , Vasily Polikarpovich Titov , Dimitry Stepanovich Bortnyansky , Mikhail Glinka , Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky , Stepan Smolensky , Alexander Andreyevich Arkhangel'sky , Nikolai Sr Kedrov , Elizabeth C. Patterson , and Andre Papkov
Manufacturer: Gloriae Dei Cantores
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Chants | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Hymns | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Psalms | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00005YJ8Q
Release Date: 1990-01-01

Music Review: