Chesnokov Liturgy

Chesnokov Liturgy

On this CD:

1. Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, Op. 24
Composed by Pavel Grigor'yevich Chesnokov
Performed by Cantus Sacred Music Ensemble

2. Let all Flesh be Silent (Chant on the Cherubim Song "Seeing the Thief"), Op 37/3
Composed by Pavel Grigor'yevich Chesnokov
Performed by Cantus Sacred Music Ensemble

3. Thou bringest joy (Znamenny chant), Op 27/8
Composed by Pavel Grigor'yevich Chesnokov
Performed by Cantus Sacred Music Ensemble

4. The Wise Thief, Op 6/4
Composed by Pavel Grigor'yevich Chesnokov
Performed by Cantus Sacred Music Ensemble

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Pavel Chesnokov (1877-1944) managed the extraordinary feat of surviving the Russian Revolution and the advent of Stalinism--even keeping his job at the Moscow State Conservatory--while composing large quantities of sacred music throughout his life. His liturgical settings are straightforward and largely homophonic: flowing chant-influenced melodies are accompanied by a drone or sustained chord; there is no imitation or counterpoint (seen as "superficial tricks" in the Orthodox context); the harmonies are rich, with shimmering passing-tone dissonances that resolve to glowing chords. Ludmila Arshavskaya's 12-member ensemble produces a surprisingly big sound yet never lets the music become heavy, murky, or sentimental. Anyone inclined to dismiss Russian Orthodox music as any of those things should sample this disc. --Matthew Westphal

Chesnokov Liturgy, Music, Chesnokov, Arshavskaya, Cantus Sacred Music Ens., Classical, Early Music / Chant

Chesnokov Liturgy

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