Robert Hugill has a new review for our “Remarkable re-discovery” of Maximilian Steinberg’s Passion Week:
“Musically it is very much in the same genre as Rachmaninov’s All Night Vigil (Vespers), the chant in Steinberg’s work has similar recognisable outlines. Steinberg’s harmony is more classical…and the chants stand out more in Steinberg. …Quite romantic in texture, it is approached in a similar vein by the choir which gives a beautiful shapeliness to phrases, and a nice clarity.… [There are] some ravishing moments such as the trio No. 8 Exaposteilarion: The Wise Thief and the fine tenor solo in No.9 Canon, Ode 9, Heirmos: Do not weep for me mother. I was struck by Alexander Lingas’ very steady tempos… The pairing with the Rimsky-Korsakov provides some very beautiful singing and a further illuminating glimpse into the history of Russian sacred music. … [Cappella Romana is] clearly a very capable and flexible choir and anyone interested in Orthodox and Byzantine chant should keep an eye open for them. Maximilian Steinberg’s Passion Week is a major work which deserves to be better known. … Alexander Lingas and Capella Romana are to be congratulated on their scholarship in recovering the work, and their fine recording.” —Robert Hugill, Planet Hugill
See the full review on PlanetHugill.com
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