Album insights
At the heart of this recording is the music of a group of composers who were associated with the famed Moscow Synodal Academy Male and Boys Choir at the beginning of the 20th century and made a significant contribution to the development of Russian choral music until the end of the Tsarist reign. This contribution was never forgotten in Russia and is now gaining increasing recognition in the West. Their music's roots are evident through the inclusion of works by earlier composers such as Pyotr Tchaikovsky (1840–1893), Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov (1844–1908), Mily Balakirev (1837–1910), and César Cui (1835–1918).
In 1879, a notable event had significant repercussions for Russian church music. Moscow music publisher Pyotr Jurgenson, known for his collaboration with the Imperial Court Chapel, published Tchaikovsky's Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom without the required approval, shaking the established norms. Despite being deemed "too Western" in many circles, Tchaikovsky's work can be seen as profoundly Russian in essence and marked the end of German dominance, ushering in a focus on studying and reviving Russian church music. Rimsky-Korsakov, like his colleagues, delved into the heritage of monophonic liturgical chant in his less-performed sacred works. Balakirev and Cui, although less associated with sacred music, also contributed unique aspects to this realm.
The revival of Russia's liturgical and musical heritage was sparked by Prince Vladimir Fyodorovich Odoyevsky (1804–1869), a philosopher, writer, critic, and musicologist. His efforts profoundly influenced composers like Kastalsky, Chesnokov, and Nikolsky, with Rachmaninoff dedicating his Vigil to composer Stepan Smolensky's students. This return to roots influenced many other composers, culminating in Rachmaninoff's monumental Vigil, a pinnacle in Russian choral music history. Golovanov, Chesnokov, and Kalinnikov also made significant contributions to this musical tradition with their distinctive styles and compositions.
Pavel Chesnokov (1877–1944) composed an extensive body of sacred works, drawing from liturgical chants and traditional melodies. His compositions showcased rich harmonic language and dark choral colors, echoing the essence of Russian liturgical music. Other composers like Viktor Kalinnikov, Nikolai Tolstiakov, Alexander Gretchaninov, and Konstantin Shvedov further enriched this tradition through their unique contributions and innovative approaches. Commemorating Russia's musical and liturgical past, these composers left a lasting impact on the realm of choral music.