Orthodox Shrines of the Russian North: Valaam Monastery

Orthodox Shrines of the Russian North: Valaam Monastery

Artist: Male Choir of Valaam Singing Culture Institute
Item number: AJ008
Category: Russian
Chant Type: Valaam
Language: Church Slavonic
Label: Russian Compact Disc (AUS)
Period: Contemporary
Length: 70'12
Release date: 1995
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Price: $16.98 USD
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1. Blessed is the man

2. O gladsome radiance

3. Our Holy Father Cyril

4. From my youth...

5. Blessed be the name of the Lord

6. It is truly meet and right

7. Who is this King of Glory

8. O Come, let us worship

9. The only-begotten Son

10. The Cherubic Hymn

11. Now the Powers of Heaven

12. It is truly meet and right

13. Let my mouth be filled with thy praise, O Lord

14. The day has passed

15. Come, let us give the last kiss

16. As a flower withers

17. The wise thief

18. O Mother, whom all men sing...

19. Praise the name of the Lord

20. Having beheld the Resurrection of Christ

21. Holy Father Cyril

22. Let your soul exult the Lord

23. Pontifcal: Many Years


Another collection from this series of hymns and verses in standard settings and chant. The music is once again largely chant of this monastery, and a few polyphonic settings. Interesting are some pieces with original harmonizations in 2 and 3 voices. The liner sketches in Russian and English the political and economic significance of the monastery, and also has some founder's tales in the style of Fathers of the Desert incidents. The performances are by a male choir (not monks) of a very accomplished chamber choir. Titles and sources are given for each piece in Russian and English. No texts, but some tracks are from the Liturgy and are easily obtainable, and the pieces are all identified as to service. The voices are well balanced and the sound good. . The tracks alternate styles, keeping the ear's interest. This style is slightly more ornate than the Valaam chant.

By: Peter Schwalbenberg

An excellent collection of liturgical settings, well programmed and executed. The performance shows understanding and enthusiasm. The harmonizations and settings are restrained, e.g. #11 Now the Heavenly powers and #12 It is meet and just, and in keeping with the overall chant program. The rendition of the 2 and 3 voice settings are very effective: #5 Blessed be the Name of the Lord and # 8 Come let us worship and #18 O most hymned Mother. Like the first volume, this is food for the heart as well as the ear and the mind. We are fortunate to have access to these treasures in such fine performances.