This is the second disc in the series of the "Ukrainian Tradition of Church Singing", and it contains Christmas service songs. The theme of Christmas is actually gratifying, it is one of the most clear and joyful Christian holidays. But these chants – unlike, say, Christmas carols – reveal a somewhat different type of joy. Quiet, enlightened – as if one stands in the face of our familiar world and sees traits not subject to time or darkness manifesting through it. It's a valuable present – the opportunity to touch the clear and soft fire that does not burn but warms and soothes. Heals. No matter how complex and contradictory our days are. Eventually, our time is not that often simple and harmonious...
The publication contains a 28-page booklet with a foreword (in Ukrainian), the sheet music and texts (Old Church Slavonic).
This disc has been released as part of the project of the Charitable Foundation named after Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky. The objective of the Foundation established by the UGCC Head is preservation and dissemination of the heritage of Metropolitan Andriy to develop the Church, as well as establishment and enhancement of the civil society in Ukraine.
..In the Liturgy of Peace the Greek Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom in the Church-Slavonic language is dressed by the author in the melodies of ancient Gregorian chorals with minimal adaptation of harmonious methods. That way, the Liturgy of Peace creates a musical synthesys of both cultures: firstly, and again the meeting of western and eastern liturgical traditions..
Domestic price: 295.90UAH,
International price: $26.90USD
The creative method of the Ensemble is peculiar for each singer is both – a soloist and a choirmaster. Such a combination of brilliant vocal qualities with high professional skills makes it possible for a small group of the singers to make the largest concert halls full of sound and, unlike other artistic groups, to create the various ranges of programs..
Domestic price: 130.90UAH,
International price: $11.90USD
This album is a pilgrimage in singing. The chorus pilgrims, when traveling in the Holy Land, recorded various parts of the worship service in Bethlehem, Galilee, and Nazareth. And thus lots of the chants on this disk were recorded exactly where the events they are narrating about took place.
Domestic price: 152.90UAH145.31UAH
International price: $13.90USD$13.21USD
What should one expect from an album dedicated to the Holy Resurrection? This piece by AghiaDimitra choir is dominated by – joy. Perhaps, it should be noted that the joy is profound. Not only in terms of authenticity, but also in terms of the spectrum range, with a bunch of shades, overtone...
Domestic price: 142.12UAH,
International price: $12.92USD
This is the first album in the discography of AghiaDimitra choir, and listening to it is worth it anyway, because the collective is interesting. But try listening keeping this in mind: the recording was made in April 2016 – although the first rehearsal of the choir had taken place only on March 22, i.e. just about a month before..
Domestic price: 142.12UAH,
International price: $12.92USD
This disk contains all the hymns of the church year. They are presented in the most recent Ukrainian translation from the Greek language. Tunes of all the hymns are adapted to the Ukrainian translation so that they to the extent possible comply with all original music passages, so that the Ukrainian version also preserved the organic link of the melody and the word...
Domestic price: 153.12UAH,
International price: $13.92USD
Life is a variable flow, and we often say that too many hasty, superficial, and emotional things get mixed in this water. But this album is a reminder about that at any time there is a stream full of peace, light, and joy. It does not hide from us, it is always at hand – just one heartbeat away...
Domestic price: 152.90UAH,
International price: $13.90USD
This time, the Academic Choir of the NRCU managed by Yulia Tkach presents the outcome of its collaboration with singer Taras Shtonda – the owner of a great bass baritone, a soloist of Kyiv Opera and Bolshoi Theater in Moscow. The outcome deserves positive consideration – no doubt.
Domestic price: 141.90UAH,
International price: $12.90USD
There is certain magic akin to the content of genuine, deep lullabies – although, sure, in this case the music is more sophisticated, and it is not limited to the "mother/child" vector at all. The emotional palette is very diverse, from the quiet waters of a prayer – and to the disturbing confrontation with the violent world of passions.
Domestic price: 131.12UAH,
International price: $11.92USD
For all those who have no need for audio discs but do have the need for sacred music that sounds at home, not in a church – this disc will become just a wonderful acquisition. First, these are, as you can see, five albums on one disc. But number not always can say anything about quality, of course. Thus, secondly – have a look at the performers whose albums have been included here.
Domestic price: 207.90UAH,
International price: $18.90USD
Singing of Lavra monks attracts even people far from orthodoxy – they come to listen to it because real beauty never tolerates limitations. The four albums represented on this disc (the fifth one is rather a collection, though not less beautiful) – are only a small part, certainly. Nevertheless, they are, probably, among the best ones – however, make sure yourself.
Domestic price: 207.90UAH,
International price: $18.90USD