New Joy - Orthodox Christmas Music
Beginning with bells tolling in Tallinn, Estonia's St. Alexander's Cathedral, this collection of 19th- and 20th-century Orthodox music from Russia and the Ukraine celebrates the Nativity. Most of the music was suppressed by the authorities, and some of the composers represented - Kastalsky, Barvinskyi, and Izvekov (whose stunning "Christ Is Born," the longest piece on the CD, here receives its first recording) were persecuted, imprisoned, or executed for their religious beliefs. There is also music by Tchaikovsky, Arvo Pärt, and a couple of other, lesser-known composers. Many of the pieces have the distinctly Slavic sound--and chant melodies--opera fans will recognize from the choral sections of "Boris Godunov," while others are more humble. But the harmonies are hypnotic, sometimes dense, and always rich and evocative. The charming Ukrainian carol "Bells Rang Early in Jerusalem" features alternate choirs imitating the tolling of church and sleigh bells. Needless to say, Paul Hillier's leadership of the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir--a world-class group--is superb. A unique disc.--Robert Levine