Alfred Schnittke, a composer born into a German-Jewish family and educated in the Soviet Union, became a practicing Catholic in his mature years.
Historical Context
The printing monopoly of the Orthodox Church on sacred music was broken in 1880 by publisher Peter Jürgenson, which opened the way for new sacred compositions by prominent composers.
Historical Context
The Moscow Synodal School, a center for choral singing and research into old liturgical music, flourished from the 1880s until the October Revolution abruptly ended its heyday.
Performer Biography
The SWR Vokalensemble Stuttgart is known for its musical research, experimental spirit, stylistic breadth, and vocal perfection, having performed more premieres than any other choir in its 65-year history.
Performer Biography
Marcus Creed, the Artistic Director of the SWR Vokalensemble Stuttgart since 2003, previously led the RIAS Chamber Choir to numerous international awards.
Historical Context
Unlike the Catholic Church, the Russian Orthodox Church historically banned instrumental accompaniment from its places of worship and maintained a strict ideal of purity in its choral music.
Compositional Technique
The Cherubic Hymn, a part of the Russian Orthodox service, frames the 'Great Entrance' ritual and is always structured in two parts, with the second part typically joyful and faster.
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