For Akhunov, the original meaning of the Greek word Leitourgia, 'service for the public good with no reward other than honour and gratitude', defines his ballet as his personal 'ministry'.
Composition History
The initial impulse for Akhunov's work was the story of Sergei Diaghilev's failed ballet 'Liturgy', for which Igor Stravinsky refused to write music.
Composition History
Very little is known about the actual stage direction of Diaghilev's 'Liturgy', with the only surviving information coming from costume and decoration sketches by Natalia Goncharova, a Russian avant-garde artist.
Composition History
Composer Sergey Akhunov was commissioned to write music alluding to Igor Stravinsky, which led him to recall Diaghilev's unrealized ballet 'Liturgy'.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Akhunov's music for 'Liturgy' is not ecclesiastical, but rather a reflection of his attitude towards the Orthodox liturgy, viewing its beauty and harmony in a deeply religious sense.
Recording & Production
This recording was made in November 2024 at Studio Mosfilm in Moscow, with artistic direction, sound engineering, editing, mixing, and mastering by Maria Soboleva.
Composition History
Sergei Diaghilev, a Russian art critic and impresario, conceived the ballet 'Liturgy' after a visit to the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, inspired by Simone Martini's 'Annunciation'.
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