It's obvious one is listening to Russian choral music: the is plenty of stereotypical basso profundo present. But it's also readily apparent that this is distinctly modern music. The music is at once tuneful, dissonant and atmospheric, sung with pathos and conviction by the choir with Orthodox priests serving as soloists in some instances. It is equally at home in church and on stage. A couple of the musical riffs became a little too familiar upon listening to the whole CD without interruption. But aside from that, this is a recording well-worth securing. Study it for the vocal technique; use it to accompany meditation or reading. But anyone interested in choral music, especially as it is finding expression in modern Russia (is that an oxymoron?) will enjoy this. + + + +
