Sacred Songs of Russia

This recording demonstrates the level of excellence that can be achieved by a non-Russian choir in performing Russian sacred choral music. In preparation for this project, Glori Dei Cantores, a professional-level choir formed by members of the Community of Jesus in Orleans, Mass., sought out expert repertoire consultants, invited native Russian conductors to rehearse them and coach them on the language, and brought in a Russian conservatory-trained choral conductor to produce the recording. The results manifest themselves in a recording that presents beautiful renditions of a wide variety of works drawn from the best styles and traditions, from unison chant to the works of a living Russian composer, Georgi Sviridov. The expertly written notes are accurate and informative, and the texts are given in phonetics and English translation.