Holy Russia: Hymns of Great Lent and Pascha (2 CDs)

This 2-CD set is another welcome re-release of a classic LP set by the "Joy of All the Sorrowful" Choir, originally recorded and released in 1987. This is perhaps the finest, smoothest, and well-blended recording made by N. V. Matveyev's choir. Included on Disc 2 (Track 2) is a totally unique world-premiere recording of A. Kastalsky's Paschal Verses (the so-called "Paschal beginning"), recorded from a lost edition of Kastalsky's Paschal works, announced in 1917 but never published. Also included are rare recordings of Kastalsky's "Thy Bridal Chamber" and Chesnokov's "Arise, O God." In total, this recording stands as one of the finest monuments to the Russian "cathedral" choral tradition, as it managed to survive during the Soviet era. The booklet has informative notes and texts in English and Russian.