Arctic Light: Finnish Orthodox Music

Featuring

Ivan Moody
Cappella Romana
Pekka Attinen
Boris Jakubov
Leonid Bashmakov
Timo Ruottinen

Mikko Sidoroff
Peter Mirolybov

Did you know?

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Historical Context

The Orthodox Church in Finland gained national status after the Russian Revolution in 1917, placing it on par with the Lutheran Church.

Composer's Artistic Vision

The use of the Finnish language in worship has significantly contributed to the distinct Finnish identity of the Orthodox Church's music.

Composer Biography

Leonid Bashmakov, born in 1927, is considered the 'elder statesman' of Finnish Orthodox music, with an extensive output including seven symphonies and many concertos.

Compositional Technique

Pekka Attinen's Cherubic Hymn No. 3 pushes tonal boundaries, recalling Strauss and Wagner in its broad gestures and harmonic stretching, making it exceptionally difficult to perform.

Performer Biography

Cappella Romana, founded in 1991, is a vocal chamber ensemble based in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, dedicated to exploring the musical traditions of the Christian East and West.

Recording & Production

This album was recorded at St. Agatha Catholic Church in Portland, Oregon, between September 7-11, 2008.

Historical Context

In 1923, the Finnish Orthodox Church, facing difficulties maintaining contact with Russia, requested to be placed under the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, which was granted.