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CD Details: Hymns and Chants of the Russian Orthodox Church

Cat. no. C027 Date Listed ?		Title:	Hymns and Chants of the Russian Orthodox Church
		Performers:	Nicolai Gedda, tenor solo; The Choir of the Russian Orthodox Cathedral, London
		Conductor:	Rev. Michael Fortounatto
		Recording Type / Total Time:	AAD / 51:15:00
		Label and Number:	IKON IKO 9001
		Issue Date:	1977, 1994
		Price:	$19.98
		Rating:	***

REVIEW
This is a welcome re-release on CD of a recording issued in 1977 on LP! There are several attractions here: first and foremost, of course, is the silken-voiced Nicolai Gedda, for whom director Fr. Michael Fortounatto has augmented the solo tenor repertoire by rearranging some of the pieces to demonstrate the traditional role of solo voices in Russian liturgical music. Next is the pleasant sound of the choir itself, which, although it is comprised of amateurs, is guided by a subtle and talented hand, and thus avoids the typical pitfalls to which amateur church choirs succumb: the singing is clean, well-phrased, and in tune. Finally, there is the tastefully chosen repertoire, which emphasizes good composers, liturgically appropriate numbers and avoids anything that is trite, blatant, or showy in a purely external fashion. Sensible notes and translations (E only) are provided by Fr. Fortounatto.

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