In the face of the devastation wrought by the First World War, Alexander Kastalsky conceived a musical service of remembrance for the fallen. A pivotal figure in Russian musical life- he was a student of Tchaikovsky and acclaimed as the founder of a new, national church music- Kastalsky composed a choral-orchestral Requiem, for the concert stage. Simultaneously, he worked on the a cappella version heard on this recording to be sung in Russian Orthodox churches. Following the basic structure of the Orthodox Panihida, or memorial service, Memory Eternal, and the short sacred pieces that end the programme, reveal Kastalsky's masterful use of choral sonority and color, his weaving of complex polyphonic textures, and his graceful use of ancient chant melodies.

Tracklist:

Memory Eternal To The Fallen Heroes: I. Great Litany
Memory Eternal To The Fallen Heroes: II. Alleluia And With Profound Wisdom
Memory Eternal To The Fallen Heroes: III. Give Rest, O Our Saviour
Memory Eternal To The Fallen Heroes: IV. Give Rest, O Lord, To The Souls Of Thy Servants, Who Have Fallen Asleep
Memory Eternal To The Fallen Heroes: V. I Will Pour Out My Prayer
Memory Eternal To The Fallen Heroes: VI. With The Saints Give Rest
Memory Eternal To The Fallen Heroes: VII. Thou Alone Art Immortal
Memory Eternal To The Fallen Heroes: VIII. Thou Art God, Who Descended Into Hades
Memory Eternal To The Fallen Heroes: IX. Give Rest, O Lord
Memory Eternal To The Fallen Heroes: X. Triple Litany
Memory Eternal To The Fallen Heroes: XI. Memory Eternal
Doors Of Thy Mercy
From My Youth
Blessed Are They

UPC: 747313388974
Label: Naxos
Release Date: 8.10.18
Format: CD

Kastalsky - Memory Eternal (CD)