26 selected chants starting from ancient church chants to such rarities as sacred music by Rachmaninov and J.Sarti-Italian composer, who was so enraptured by Orthodox singing that in 1724 he left Italy for Russia and till the end of his days lived there. For many centuries Kiev-Pechersk (Cave) Lavra was the pride of the Orthodox world. Later on destroyed by atheists because the "heavenly like" cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin was its adornment. The cathedral choir was the legend and the magnet which attracted thousands visitors and pilgrims.

This CD represents 26 selected chants of Russian Orthodox Church performed by the famous Monks and Metropolitan Choirs of Kiev-Pechersk Lavra.

The first track on this CD is very old and soulful authentic Kiev chant "Thy resurrection" which opens the Easter Day. It's a very unusual recording of this chant because the singing is accompanied by sounds of bells of Big Lavra's Bell Tower.

The next track (Christ's Resurrection by S.Rachmaninov) is undoubtedly a rarity. Rachmanov's works are being performed throughout the world. His symphonies, piano concertos and sonatas are well known. STILL, IN THE VAST SPACE OF HIS MUSIC THERE ARE SOME PRESERVED CORNERS. ONE OF WHICH IS HIS SACRED MUSIC. . When in 1915 the 42-years old S.Rachmaninov had turned to the sacred music, he was living through a hard period of his life. He confessed he was getting weaker and older and was looking for "air, rest and solitude". The concluding words of this chant bore a special significance for the composer. He stressed the phrase "By Death Shall Death Be Destroyed" by sudden break in the sound dynamics, which turns it into an intimate confession.

"Receive Yea the Body of Christ" by A.Bessarabov is Eucharistic chant. In the meeting of believers after the prayer of the whole Church and the priest?s blessing, the bread and the vine by the action of the Holy Spirit become The Body and The Blood of Lord Jesus Christ. These Holy Divine Sacraments are destined for receiving by the believers, which via forgiving the sins and communion with the Lord and with each other into the single body of Church, reach blessful eternal life.

"Bless Is The Man" (old Kiev chant), "O, Gladsome Radiance" ( by P.Rechkunov) and "Now Lettest Thou Depart" (anonymous) are three most beautiful, at least my favorite, hymns of the all-night vigil service.

The conductor of Monks Choir of Kiev-Pechersk Lavra is hieromonk Kiril. He is also very good singer with very peculiar voice. His solo at" O THEOTOKOS AND VIRGIN REJOYS" is amazing and I'm sure this chant will melt your hart.

During the centuries the specific style of singing was formed in Monastery of Kiev-Pechersk Lavra (don't mix up with Old Kiev Chants). The origin of Kiev-Pechersk Lavra singing is in XI century when inok Anthony, arrived from Aphona, founded the Kiev-Pechersk Monastery. Lavra's hymns organically synthesize Byzantine tradition and folk-singing culture of old Rus. Under the influence of south-Slavic tunes Larva's way of singing gained a power and became one of bright characteristics of Ancient Rus. There are only two Kiev-Pechersk chants on this CD ("From My Youth" and "God With Us") because there is another CD specially dedicated to traditional worship singing of Kiev-Pechersk Lavra. You can listen and buy this CD at www.cdbaby.com/anthology

In 1784, the Italian conductor and composer J.Sarti (1729-1802) visited Russia. He was so enraptured by Orthodox Church singing that he left Italy for Russia and till the end of his days he lived and worked there. He wrote many beautiful chants for Russian Church and one of this chant is represented on this CD (" O THEOTOKOS AND VIRGIN)