American composer Richard Toensing creates a vibrant musical synthesis of East and West with new settings of ancient Orthodox Christmas texts. Indebted to Slavic traditions, his virtuosic Choral Concerto for unaccompanied double choir and multiple soloists uses the dramatic words of St. Romanos the Melodist (6th c.) to recount the mystery of Jesus' birth. Toensing's more intimate New Orthodox Carols for the Nativity of Christ alternate between exuberant celebration and joyful contemplation as they bridge the gap between Byzantine and American hymnody. American composer and music educator Richard Toensing (1940-2014) received numerous award for composition during his lifetime, most notably from Columbia University, the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Arts, and BMI.

Tracklist:

Kontakion on the Nativity of Christ, concerto for chorus: First
Kontakion on the Nativity of Christ, concerto for chorus: First
Kontakion on the Nativity of Christ, concerto for chorus: First
Kontakion on the Nativity of Christ, concerto for chorus: First
Kontakion on the Nativity of Christ, concerto for chorus: Second
Kontakion on the Nativity of Christ, concerto for chorus: Second
Kontakion on the Nativity of Christ, concerto for chorus: Second
Kontakion on the Nativity of Christ, concerto for chorus: Third
Kontakion on the Nativity of Christ, concerto for chorus: Third
Kontakion on the Nativity of Christ, concerto for chorus: Fourth
Kontakion on the Nativity of Christ, concerto for chorus: Fourth
Kontakion on the Nativity of Christ, concerto for chorus: Fourth
Kontakion on the Nativity of Christ, concerto for chorus: Fourth
New Orthodox Christmas Carols for the Nativity of Christ, for ch
New Orthodox Christmas Carols for the Nativity of Christ, for ch
New Orthodox Christmas Carols for the Nativity of Christ, for ch
New Orthodox Christmas Carols for the Nativity of Christ, for ch
New Orthodox Christmas Carols for the Nativity of Christ, for ch
New Orthodox Christmas Carols for the Nativity of Christ, for ch
New Orthodox Christmas Carols for the Nativity of Christ, for ch
New Orthodox Christmas Carols for the Nativity of Christ, for ch
New Orthodox Christmas Carols for the Nativity of Christ, for ch
New Orthodox Christmas Carols for the Nativity of Christ, for ch
New Orthodox Christmas Carols for the Nativity of Christ, for ch
New Orthodox Christmas Carols for the Nativity of Christ, for ch

UPC: 614511744621
Label: Cappella Romana
Release Date: 10.21.08
Format: CD

Alexander Lingas - Richard Toensing: Kontakion On The Nativity Of Chr (CD)