Bells of Dawn-Russian Sacred & Folk Songs

Description

Product Description

Ondine’s third release with star baritone Dmitri Hvorostovsky is devoted to Russian sacred works and folk songs. The prestigious Russian Grand Choir ‘Masters of Choral Singing’, conducted by Lev Kontorovich accompanies Mr. Hvorostovsky. The title song of the album Georgy Sviridov’s (1915-1998) Bells of Dawn, is an atmospheric song creating an almost otherworldly and remote soundscape. Dmitri Hvorostovsky was born and studied in Krasnoyarsk, Siberia. Since his Western operatic debut at the Nice Opera in Tchaikovsky’s Pique Dame, he has been invited for regular engagements at major opera houses and festivals internationally, and has performed as a celebrated recitalist in every corner of the globe, appearing in concert with the world’s top orchestras and conductors. The Grand Choir was established in 1928. The name, “Masters of Choral Singing,” defines the high standards of vocal performance and musical expertise required for chorus membership. Every singer must be able to perform both as soloist and as an integrated chorus member. It’s immense repertoire, including numerous premieres (over 5,000 works performed since it’s founding) includes operas, oratorios, folk songs, church music, and much else. It’s recordings have earned gold medal recognition, both in Russia and internationally.

Review

“Whether singing Russian sacred or folk music, Hvorostovsky is both wonderfully dramatic and touching.” –November 2014 Gramophone Editor’s Choice

Hvorostovksy’s singing is up to his high standards and the choir is superb. This music may be unfamiliar but the songs are spellbinding when performed as well as they are on this album. –Barry Bassis, The Epoch Times

“His instrument is to an amazing degree unchanged: the essential marbled but flowing sound and the ease with which he can pop out a G are intact. That continuity bespeaks considerable technical know-how. Hvorostovsky here offers a commendable range of dynamic levels comfortably and expressively.” –David Shengold, Opera News, December 2014