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If the idea of an unaccompanied choral work, sung in Russian, lasting more than 40 minutes sounds like hard work, don’t be too quick to dismiss it. Schnittke’s Choir Concerto (1984-85) has the unmistakable whiff of greatness about it and is unquestionably one of his most compelling achievements. It finds him in ecstatic mode, setting eloquent prayers by a 10th-century Armenian poet. The result is...
'if the concerto does not ultimately go down as one of the masterpieces of the late twentieth century choral repertoire, I shall be staggered'
'the music, direct in manner and imposing in effect, should appeal to anyone who already loves the sacred choral works of Rachmaninov or Tchaikovsky'
'high vocal standards … A fine introduction to some rare and satisfying repertoire'
'Stephen Layton’s Holst Singers really show their mettle … Schnittke fans will want to hear this; and anyone else who’s curious about what one of the 20th Century’s more intriguing and inventive composers was up to during the 1980’s also should check it out'
'The Holst Singers have done an excellent job … They have a beautiful, cool sound in the best British tradition, and the deep bass voices bring forth some glorious noises … This disc is hugely welcome … fascinating and, ultimately, uplifting'