Many New Yorkers in the Orthodox Christian tradition haven’t actually celebrated their Christmas yet. On this edition of The Mix we celebrate music from the Orthodox Christmas tradition.
Today, we hear the sonorous, fully-textured sounds of Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninoff; from the dream-like compositions of the Finnish composer Einojuhari Rautavaara to the crystal clarity of John Tavener’s music.
Right here in New York City, the Russian Chamber Chorus, led by Nikolai Kachanov, has been around since 1985. They have become America’s preeminent Russian vocal ensemble recording a number of great albums demonstrating their versatility. They are committed to preserving and exploring Russian music. We play movements from their acclaimed recording of Tchaikovsky’s Vespers, which was recorded in November of 1996 at the Church of the Good Shepherd right here in NYC.
Contemporary Finnish composer Einojuhari Rautavaara takes a holistic approach to composing choral music. His choral works reflect a broadminded approach to composition drawing heavily from the Orthodox, Catholic and Lutheran traditions. We play his lush setting of the Magnificat sung by the Finnish Radio Choir under the direction of Timo Nuoranne.
Others on the program are Gretchaninov's We praise the mother of God with Andrej Koshewnikow leading the Moscow State Academic Choir, Moscow State Choir and Musica Sacra, alongside Bortniansky’s Te Deum, We praise thee o God and Bogoroditse Devo, Rejoice O Ye Virgin from Rachmaninov’s Vespers sung by the Choir of St. Ignatius Loyola.
Playlist:
Russian Chamber Chorus-- Tchaikovsky (TBD)
Rautavaara/ Choral Works/Finnish Radio Choir/Timo Nuoranne
Magnificat
Gretchaninov / Musica Sacra-De Maria Virgine/Moscow State Academic Choir, Moscow State Choir, Musica Sacra, Andrej Koshewnikow
We praise the mother of God
Bortniansky/ Musica Sacra-De Maria Virgine/Moscow State Academic Choir, Moscow State Choir, Musica Sacra, Andrej Koshewnikow
Te Deum
Rachmaninov/All Night Vigil/Choir of St. Ignatius Loyola, Kent Tritle
Bogoroditse Devo
Tavener/Ikon of Light/The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
The Lamb
Hymn to the Mother of God
Today The Virgin
Follow WQXR
About The Choral Mix with Kent Tritle
The Choral Mix with Kent Tritle explores the vibrant and transformative world of choral music in New York and beyond.
Hosted by Kent Tritle
Comments [3]
Kent - it would be nice to hear hymns that are specific to the Orthodox feast of Nativity, and not hymns that are sung every Satuday evening. Also, it would be nice to hear more recordings in English. They do exist.
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. And sensitive to additional sub-cultures in New York City who also comprise "the public." In addition, Christmas does not end on December 25th for Latino cultures. January 6th (Epiphany) is in Hispanic countries the third major observance of the Christmas season. I think that wqxr is not sensitive enough to the pluralism that surrounds us.
There's something about those sonorous bass soloists that evokes the golden onion domes, the cold and the snow. This was a real education.
Leave a Comment
Register for your own account so you can vote on comments, save your favorites, and more. Learn more.
Please stay on topic, be civil, and be brief.
Email addresses are never displayed, but they are required to confirm your comments. Names are displayed with all comments. We reserve the right to edit any comments posted on this site. Please read the Comment Guidelines before posting. By leaving a comment, you agree to New York Public Radio's Privacy Policy and Terms Of Use.