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. - GloriÃ¦ 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, GloriÃ¦ 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. GloriÃ¦ Dei Cantores were also among the first Western artistic groups to tour Siberia.

Tracklist:

Hristos Voskrese - Christ Is Risen: Hristos Voskrese - Christ Is Risen
Blagoslovi, Dushe - Bless The Lord, O My Soul: Blagoslovi, Dushe - Bless The Lord, O My Soul
Bogoroditse Devo - Rejoice, O Virgin: Bogoroditse Devo - Rejoice, O Virgin
Three Choruses From Tsar Feodor Ioannovich: I. Bogoroditse Devo - Rejoice, O Virgin
Three Choruses From Tsar Feodor Ioannovich: Ii. Liubov' Sviataya - Sacred Love
Three Choruses From Tsar Feodor Ioannovich: Iii. PokayannÃ¯y Stih - A Hymn Of Repentance
Ghospodi Vozzvah / Tsar' NebesnÃ¯y - Lord, I Call / The King Of Heaven: Ghospodi Vozzvah / Tsar' NebesnÃ¯y - Lord, I Call / The
Benevestnaya Devo - O Virgin Unwedded: Benevestnaya Devo - O Virgin Unwedded
Slava Vo VÃ¯shnih Bogu - Glory To God In The Highest: Slava Vo VÃ¯shnih Bogu - Glory To God In The Highest
Cherubic Hymn: Cherubic Hymn
Milost' Mira - A Mercy Of Peace: Milost' Mira - A Mercy Of Peace
Angel Vopiyashe - The Angel Cried: Angel Vopiyashe - The Angel Cried
Hymn In Honor Of Ss. Cyril And Methodius: Hymn In Honor Of Ss. Cyril And Methodius
O Tebe Raduyetsia - All Of Creation Rejoices: O Tebe Raduyetsia - All Of Creation Rejoices
Svete Tihiy - Radiant Light: Svete Tihiy - Radiant Light
Hvalite Imia Ghospodne - Praise The Name Of The Lord: Hvalite Imia Ghospodne - Praise The Name Of The Lord
V Molitvah NeusÃ¯payushchuyu Bogoroditsu - The Mother Of God, Ever-Vigilant In Prayer: V Molitvah NeusÃ¯payushchuyu Bogoroditsu
Litany Of Supplication: Litany Of Supplication
Otche Nash - Our Father: Otche Nash - Our Father

UPC: 709887010026
Label: Paraclete Press
Release Date: 4.6.99
Format: CD

Gloriae Dei Cantores - Sacred Songs of Russia (CD)