The Orthodox Christians of Russia have long celebrated the great mid-winter feast of the Nativity, a time of intense fasting and prayer followed by feasting. The St. Petersburg Chamber Choir brings us little-known choral music by composers such as Aleksandr Grechaninov (1864-1956) "Voskliknite Gospodevi vsya zemlya, Op. 19 No. 2," and Pavel Chesnokov (1877-1944) " No. 1 "Presvyataya Bogoroditse" and anonymous composers ("Dobr'ii vechir Tobi," "Pavochka khodit" and "Nova radist' stala") that tell the Christmas story from the traditions of the Russian Orthodox Church. There are 20 beautiful, intense, soaring selections here, especially from mezzo-soprano soloist Olga Borodina. |
