Four Stars from ConcertoNet for Benedict Sheehan’s Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom

ConcertoNet‘s Linda Holt gives Four Stars to the Saint Tikhon Choir’s recording of Benedict Sheehan: Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom on Cappella Records:

“a recording which succeeds fully as a musical work, albeit one that follows strict compositional and theological guidelines. Despite the heaviness of its intention, I found this work surprisingly elegant and light, perhaps leavened by the delightful high voices of the choir, always smooth, never shrill, and by countertenor Timothy Parsons.

Of course, where would an Orthodox performance be without the haunting resonance of bass voices? They were in evidence throughout, providing a musical substratum in several sections over which Sheehan layered, like sheer ribbons, sometimes achingly beautiful striations from the higher voices.

An hour and a quarter in length, the Liturgy deserves to be listened to in a quiet room with no distractions. Listeners would do well not to attempt to listen while driving, on the phone, or grabbing a late lunch.

It is a work which commands not only attention, but respect, even if one has nothing in common with the religious teachings it imparts through song.…

… this album is an addition of rare grace and refinement to the living music heritage of the Eastern rites. It will delight the Orthodox and the discerning non-Orthodox music-lover equally, and, perhaps, in its own way, contribute to greater understanding in a fragmented and disjointed world.”

—Linda Holt, ConcertoNet

See the full review on ConcertoNet