Immerse yourself in the rich, resonant harmonies of The Holst Singers with their captivating album, "Ikon, Vol. 2: Sacred Choral Music from Russia & Eastern Europe." Released on September 27, 2010, under the Hyperion label, this collection is a masterful exploration of sacred choral works from the Eastern Orthodox tradition. Spanning a little over an hour, the album is a testament to the Holst Singers' exceptional skill and the profound beauty of the music they perform.
The album features a diverse array of compositions, each one a gem in its own right. From the solemn and reflective "Otche nash" (Our Father) to the triumphant and exultant "Raduytesya, pravednii, o Gospode" (Rejoice in the Lord, O You Righteous), the Holst Singers navigate the full spectrum of human emotion with grace and precision. The minimalist influences in the music create a sense of depth and introspection, while the choral arrangements are both intricate and accessible.
Highlights include the hauntingly beautiful "Spasenie sodelal" (Salvation Is Created), the powerful "Strastnaya Sed'mitsa" (Holy Week), and the serene "Svete tikhiy" (Radiant Light). Each piece is performed with a level of artistry and devotion that is truly inspiring, making this album a standout in the world of sacred choral music.
Whether you are a longtime fan of choral music or a newcomer looking to explore the genre, "Ikon, Vol. 2" offers a deeply rewarding listening experience. The Holst Singers' impeccable phrasing, impeccable blend, and impeccable musicianship shine through in every track, making this album a true celebration of the human voice and the spiritual power of music.
Tracks
Otche nash "Our Father", Op. 9 No. 3Nikolay Golovanov, Stephen Layton, The Holst Singers
Spasenie sodelal "Salvation Is Created", Op. 25 No. 5Pavel Chesnokov, The Holst Singers, Stephen Layton
Strastnaya Sed'mitsa "Holy Week", Op. 58: VII. Vecheri Tvoeya taynïya "Of Thy Mystical Supper"Alexander Gretchaninov, The Holst Singers, Stephen Layton
Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts, Op. 24: VI. Da ispravitsya molitva moya "Let My Prayer Arise"Pavel Chesnokov, Stephen Layton, The Holst Singers
Dukh Tvoy blagiy "Let Thy Good Spirit", Op. 25 No. 10Pavel Chesnokov, Stephen Layton, The Holst Singers
Blagoslovi, dushe moya, Gospoda "Bless the Lord, O My Soul”Pavel Chesnokov, Stephen Layton, The Holst Singers
Kheruvimskaya pesn "The Cherubic Hymn", Op. 13Konstantin Shvedov, The Holst Singers, Stephen Layton
Liturgy of St John Chrysostom, Op. 41: III. Priidite, poklonimsya "Come, Let Us Worship"Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, The Holst Singers, Stephen Layton
Priidite, poklonimsya "Come, Let Us Worship", Op. 11Victor Kalinnikov, The Holst Singers, Stephen Layton
Tebe poem "We Hymn Thee", Op. 7Victor Kalinnikov, Stephen Layton, The Holst Singers
Bogoroditse Devo "Rejoice, O Virgin", Op. 17Victor Kalinnikov, Stephen Layton, The Holst Singers
Blagoslovi, dushe moya, Gospoda "Bless the Lord, O My Soul", Op. 1 No. 1Nikolay Tolstiakov, The Holst Singers, Stephen Layton
Otche nash "Our Father", Op. 22 No. 7Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, The Holst Singers, Stephen Layton
All-Night Vigil "Vespers", Op. 37: VI. Bogoroditse Devo "Rejoice, O Virgin"Sergei Rachmaninoff, The Holst Singers, Stephen Layton
Tebe poem "We Hymn Thee", Op. 2Victor Kalinnikov, The Holst Singers, Stephen Layton
Raduytesya, pravednii, o Gospode "Rejoice in the Lord, O You Righteous", Op. 25 No. 6Pavel Chesnokov, The Holst Singers, Stephen Layton
Da molchit vsyakaya plot "Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence"Mily Balakirev, The Holst Singers, Stephen Layton
Ne imamï inïya pomoshchi "We Have No Other Help", Op. 25 No. 8Pavel Chesnokov, The Holst Singers, Stephen Layton
O Tebe raduetsya "All of Creation Rejoices in You", Op. 15 No. 11Pavel Chesnokov, Stephen Layton, The Holst Singers
Trisviatoye "The Thrice-Holy", Op. 7Konstantin Shvedov, The Holst Singers, Stephen Layton
Svete tikhiy "Radiant Light", Op. 73Alexander Kastalsky, The Holst Singers, Stephen Layton
Pesn' Presvyatïya Bogoroditsï "Song of the Most Holy Theotokos" (Magnificat), Op. 93César Cui, The Holst Singers, Stephen Layton
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