Review: Valentin Silvestrov, Sacred works

Under a cloudy sky with sleet and freezing rain in the forecast, I am listening to a CD of Russian choral music. Almost cliche in its symbolism! I had not heard of Silvestrov before reading about this CD in Choir and Organ magazine. He has, before this CD, been known mostly for instrumental/secular works. But the present album takes us into his spiritual side with a collection of 23 works for unaccompanied choir. I wish the CD came with texts and translations. The wonderful article (in German and English) on Silvestrov's musical style doesn't make up for not having the songs' lyrics at hand. Aside from that oversight, this is an incredible undertaking. The Kiev Chamber Choir under the direction of Mykola Hobdych sings with remarkable clarity, subtlety and precision. The recording (ECM 2117) was made 2006/7 in the Cathedral of the Dormition, Perchersk Lavra, Kiev, Ukraine.

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. + + + +