Immerse yourself in the sacred and profound compositions of Alexander Gretchaninov with his "Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 79." Released in 1997 under the Capriccio label, this choral masterpiece is a meticulously crafted rendition of the Divine Liturgy, a central act of worship in the Eastern Orthodox Church. The album spans 15 tracks, each a vital part of the liturgical service, and runs for a duration of 1 hour and 16 minutes.
Gretchaninov, a prominent Russian composer, masterfully blends traditional liturgical elements with his unique musical style, creating a work that is both deeply reverent and artistically rich. The Bulgarian National Choir, known for their exceptional vocal prowess, brings Gretchaninov's score to life with a performance that is both technically impressive and spiritually resonant.
From the solemn opening of "Velika ektenia (the Great Litany)" to the concluding "End of the Liturgy," each track offers a glimpse into the sacred rituals and hymns that have been a cornerstone of Orthodox Christian worship for centuries. Highlights include the hauntingly beautiful "Song of the Cherubim" and the powerful "Molitva Gospodnaya (the Lord's Prayer)," showcasing the choir's ability to convey both the solemnity and the joy inherent in these sacred texts.
This album is not just a collection of choral pieces but a comprehensive musical representation of the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom. It offers a unique opportunity to experience the depth and beauty of Orthodox Christian worship through the lens of Gretchaninov's compositional genius. Whether you are a devotee of choral music, a student of religious studies, or simply a lover of profound and moving musical experiences, this album is a treasure trove of artistic and spiritual enrichment.
1997 Capriccio1997 Capriccio
Tracks
The Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom No. 3, Op. 79: Velika ektenia (the Great Litany)Alexander Gretchaninov, Boris Christoff, Todor Grigorov, Grigor Yanev, Blagoi Spassov, Svetoslav Obretenov National Philharmonic Choir, Bulgarian National Radio Chamber Orchestra, Georgi Robev
The Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom No. 3, Op. 79: AntiphonsAlexander Gretchaninov, Boris Christoff, Todor Grigorov, Grigor Yanev, Blagoi Spassov, Svetoslav Obretenov National Philharmonic Choir, Bulgarian National Radio Chamber Orchestra, Georgi Robev
The Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom No. 3, Op. 79: Slava Edinorodnii (Glory and the Only Begotten Son)Alexander Gretchaninov, Boris Christoff, Todor Grigorov, Grigor Yanev, Blagoi Spassov, Svetoslav Obretenov National Philharmonic Choir, Bulgarian National Radio Chamber Orchestra, Georgi Robev
The Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom No. 3, Op. 79: Trisvyatoe (Trisagion)Alexander Gretchaninov, Boris Christoff, Todor Grigorov, Grigor Yanev, Blagoi Spassov, Svetoslav Obretenov National Philharmonic Choir, Bulgarian National Radio Chamber Orchestra, Georgi Robev
The Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom No. 3, Op. 79: After Reading the ScriptureAlexander Gretchaninov, Boris Christoff, Todor Grigorov, Grigor Yanev, Blagoi Spassov, Svetoslav Obretenov National Philharmonic Choir, Bulgarian National Radio Chamber Orchestra, Georgi Robev
The Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom No. 3, Op. 79: Suguba ektenia (the Litany of Supplication)Alexander Gretchaninov, Boris Christoff, Todor Grigorov, Grigor Yanev, Blagoi Spassov, Svetoslav Obretenov National Philharmonic Choir, Bulgarian National Radio Chamber Orchestra, Georgi Robev
The Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom No. 3, Op. 79: Zaupokoina (Requiescat and Other Litanies)Alexander Gretchaninov, Boris Christoff, Todor Grigorov, Grigor Yanev, Blagoi Spassov, Svetoslav Obretenov National Philharmonic Choir, Bulgarian National Radio Chamber Orchestra, Georgi Robev
The Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom No. 3, Op. 79: Song of the CherubimAlexander Gretchaninov, Boris Christoff, Todor Grigorov, Grigor Yanev, Blagoi Spassov, Svetoslav Obretenov National Philharmonic Choir, Bulgarian National Radio Chamber Orchestra, Georgi Robev
The Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom No. 3, Op. 79: After the Cherubis SongAlexander Gretchaninov, Boris Christoff, Todor Grigorov, Grigor Yanev, Blagoi Spassov, Svetoslav Obretenov National Philharmonic Choir, Bulgarian National Radio Chamber Orchestra, Georgi Robev
The Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom No. 3, Op. 79: Veruyu (Creed)Alexander Gretchaninov, Boris Christoff, Todor Grigorov, Grigor Yanev, Blagoi Spassov, Svetoslav Obretenov National Philharmonic Choir, Bulgarian National Radio Chamber Orchestra, Georgi Robev
The Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom No. 3, Op. 79: Milost mira (Mercy of Peace)Alexander Gretchaninov, Boris Christoff, Todor Grigorov, Grigor Yanev, Blagoi Spassov, Svetoslav Obretenov National Philharmonic Choir, Bulgarian National Radio Chamber Orchestra, Georgi Robev
The Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom No. 3, Op. 79: Dostoino est (Hymn to the Virgin)Alexander Gretchaninov, Boris Christoff, Todor Grigorov, Grigor Yanev, Blagoi Spassov, Svetoslav Obretenov National Philharmonic Choir, Bulgarian National Radio Chamber Orchestra, Georgi Robev
The Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom No. 3, Op. 79: Molitva Gospodnaya (the Lord's Prayer)Alexander Gretchaninov, Boris Christoff, Todor Grigorov, Grigor Yanev, Blagoi Spassov, Svetoslav Obretenov National Philharmonic Choir, Bulgarian National Radio Chamber Orchestra, Georgi Robev
The Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom No. 3, Op. 79: Hvalite Gospoda (O Praise Our Lord)Alexander Gretchaninov, Boris Christoff, Todor Grigorov, Grigor Yanev, Blagoi Spassov, Svetoslav Obretenov National Philharmonic Choir, Bulgarian National Radio Chamber Orchestra, Georgi Robev
The Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom No. 3, Op. 79: End of the LiturgyAlexander Gretchaninov, Boris Christoff, Todor Grigorov, Grigor Yanev, Blagoi Spassov, Svetoslav Obretenov National Philharmonic Choir, Bulgarian National Radio Chamber Orchestra, Georgi Robev
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