This is a unique landmark CD, the first to focus entirely on the sacred chant arrangements and compositions of Russian expatriates, who left their homeland to escape the godless Communist regime, yet continued to carry forward the creative currents that had already arisen before the 1917 Revolution in the works of such composers as Kastalsky, Chesnokov, Gretchaninoff, and Rachmaninoff. The selections are beautifully sung by a choir in the former Soviet Union, representing a poignant "homecoming" of sorts for this music. The church choir of SS Peter and Paul Church, numbering about 16 singers, could be the envy of any Orthodox parish: the singing is sensitive and tuneful, showing excellent dynamics, ensemble, and phrasing. The editors and consultants of the CD did their research, unearthing biographical details and rare portraits for most of the composers. The repertoire is also extraordinarily interesting, many of the works being recorded for the first time ever. One can express the hope that more similar discs will follow, since this one only barely begins to scratch the surface of the repertoire produced by the composers represented here. Also, some prominent figures such as Ivan (Johann von) Gardner are not featured here at all. The disc edition is entirely bi-lingual, featuring notes and titles in Russian and English, but no text translations are given.--V.M.
