Valentin Silvestrov "Sacred Works"

“Litany” is a prayer that is said in a call and response manner, to put it in simplest terms. The leader starts with anice baritone and then receives feedback from the rest of the congregation, with nice sopranos or high altos. This next selection is part of a quadrilogy of “Four Seasonal Songs: Christmas Song.” You can almost hear the sound of carolers singing. However, after it starts it is gone too soon after 1:36. “Four Seasonal Songs: Dithyrambic Song” has a quicker tempo, and is slightly shorter at 1:27. Part three is entitled “Four Seasonal Songs: Cherubic Song” which has lovely vocals and leads in nicely to the stunning conclusion of this miniature epic of seasonal pursuits. “Four Seasonal Songs: Alleluia” sounded more like a Christmas song than the first part did, but ‘twas nice to listen to anyway. Why don’t we “Bless O Lord” in the next song? Oh cherubs sing your enticing tune and praise the one who has saved us. Some of us may call him “O Holy God” while others may call him as they wish, though if one is a believer, and they deface his name that is a sin. Again, not preaching anything, but just relaying commentary on the source material. “How is that relevant?” Just think about it in the context of this whateveryoucallit, though, that may not help understanding why. “The Creed” is one of the longest at 6:40, and makes its way nicely into “Gloria.” We’ll late a break , and take oh “Alleluia,” “Ave Maria,” and “Mercy of Peace.” “To Thee We Sing” a song of penance and absolution, hope and guidance, and a message to “Fret Not Thyself Because of the Ungodly (Psalm 37).” But while you are in the holy place it is better to “O Praise God in His Sanctuary (Psalm 150)” than curse him; fine, do so at your own risk, but then why did you bother going if you don’t believe? Do not forget to listen closely to “The Lord’s Prayer,” and yes, the last selections,which are devotionals, do end up having me seem like I am pushing a faith on someone when I am not, and when I do not believe in doing something like that.  Let’s just say this is a “Testament” to my loyal readers…wait a second; there are none. Now all of these songs are nice listening background music; not exactly music that one can review on my skill level anyway because they sound very similar. See? I Just proved I am incapable of writing reviews like this. One of you experts that may somehow happen to stumble on this may say, “ he is a terrible writer.”  Well, I have two words for you…NO DUH! The last group of tracks are dedicated to “Evening,” “Morning,” and “Night” in an incorrect order unless it is supposed to be spanned over two nights. “How is that relevant?” I don’t know, but let’s just stop it right now. IfIHadToChoose9 TracksI WOuldChoose:  Litany, Four Spiritual Songs:  Alleluia, Bless O Lord, The Creed, Ave Maria, Fret Not Thyself Because of the Ungodly (Psalm 37), The Lord’s Prayer, and Testament.