Serene Ecstasy

Close your eyes and let the title inspire your desire for those extra moments of peace and passion. From the traditional realm, this intense and moving compilation travels through the light and sorrow that is the Russian Orthodox journey of the sacred. This passionate, poignant collection offers each listener a powerful place for reflection and relaxation. The Spiritual Revival Choir of Moscow’s Schnittke Institute of Music was created in 1992, at the end of the Soviet era, when long-forbidden freedom of religious expression was finally permitted. As a result, this Choir offers sacred performances with a special spiritual exaltation. Since 1997, the Choir has been under the direction of Lev Kontorovich. It frequently performs in the great halls of Russia, and tours Europe.

Program Includes: 

The Russian Soil: Chants dedicated to Russian Saints

Peter Tchaikovsky: Prayer of Repentance for Russia; Eucharist from the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Alexander Arkhangelsky: I cried out to the Lord

Pavel Chesnokov: Three choruses from the cycle Days of Battle; O Praise Our Lord; Blessed is the Man; The Angel Cried

Mikhail Ippolitov-Ivanov: Praise the Lord, O my Soul

Vladislav Agafonnikov: Three selections from Vespers

Nikolai Lebedev: Selections from Funeral Mass

Valery Kikta: St. Dimitry Rostovsky’s Psalm of Repentance; Hymn to the Holy Virgin

Alfred Schnittke: Three Sacred Chorales