Passion Week

I really enjoy listening to this CD. The singing and recording quality are excellent. The composition, though obviously not a vespers, is very reminiscent of Rachmaninov's well known Vespers. Unfortunately, Rachmaninov's great melodic flair and those little snippits of incredible beauty are simply not to be found here. I kept waiting for them, but they never came. Still, this is beautiful and interesting music, very nicely performed, and I enjoy listening to it. It's quite peaceful and relaxing, and I mean that in a good way. One final note: Some vendors stated that a SACD player was needed to play this, and another CD I purchased simultaneously, Eternal Rest. The CD's I received were both hybrid SACDs and play wonderfully on my CD players. I suppose it's possible that some vendors are selling pure SACD's. I really have no way of knowing, but if you have no SACD player, I would recommend buying this from a vendor who does not state a SACD player requirement.

Am I in Saint Petersburg, Russia or anywhere else, maybe into the Cathedral of Christ Our Saviour in Moscow? Not at all, They are pure american choir singers! How they are singing with the perfect and right feeling this sacral choral composition of Grechaninov is a very outstanding fact! Surprising!Maybe, they will singing Grechaninov's Byzantine Divine Liturgy of St John Chrysostom at once! So, I'm very keen waiting for their possibly CD production!

I'm an agnostic, but I love to listen to choral church music. Russian church music is what I admire the most. There's Rachmaninov's "Vespers", Tchaikovsky's "Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom", and now this: Grechaninov's "Seven Days of Passion", a.k.a. "Passion Week." This is truly a spiritual experience; it's so passionate and lyrical. The Pheonix Bach Choir & Kansas City Chorale really help, too. Their sound is pure and their diction perfect. Charles Bruffy brings it all together to bring a 74-minute choral piece to life. This is one CD that I'll fully cherish for years to come. A+

An absolute fantastic sound. Okay, so I am biased, I love a cappella music. There is no better instrument than the human voice. God created man and woman to praise Him. This Russian church music is amazing, but you must give it your full attention. It DEMANDS your attention. My first listen was when I was working on my computer and I had to stop and just listen. It is impossible to listen to this music with just one ear.This music will allow your spirit to soar!!!

This is astoundingly gorgeous music sung by two of the best choirs I've ever heard. I was a choral conductor/teacher for over twenty years and was never willing to settle for less than great production. This recording more than satisfies my desire for great sound and musicality.

The product was in excellent condition, as advertised, arrived on time, and is wonderful music.

Wonderfully moving performances of Russian sacred choral music, with demonstration-quality recording quality on SACD.

Another great recording by the combined forces from Phoenix and Kansas city. Can't add much to what's already been said, except the SACD in Multi-channel (surround) mode adds a great deal to the spatial quality so important for this kind of singing. Check out the other Gruffy recording reviews at Amazon.

I had never heard of this work (or the composer). Cambridge Chorale are performing this soon (March 2011)and I wished to get a preview. I do like this emotional music for passion week. It is reminiscent of Rachmaninov's All-night Vigil (The Vespers).

This is a beautiful recording of a wonderful work. The choir is very focused with plenty of variety. You'll be looking forward to "Passion Week" all year.