Search - Sergey Rachmaninov, Paul Hillier, Tiit Kogermann :: Rachmaninov: All-Night Vigil [Hybrid SACD]

Heavenly Voices, divine melodies

Philip See Tho | Singapore | 01/14/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As a Protestant and someone new to Orthodoxy/Orthodox music, I was awed by the music of this album. To me, the music was a reminder of the glorious majesty of God that is so often neglected in contemporary worship music."

Exotic Eastern Sound, Stunning Performance

Daniel Graser | Wappingers Falls, New York United States | 06/06/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This really is a superb performance and I recommend it to everyone who even remotely likes this piece. There have been numerous great recordings of this work, Robert Shaw's is definitely at the top for me. That in fact was the first recording I had of this piece and is the one that made me fall in love with this music. However, I have to say hillier and the Estonians have delivered the goods in incredible sound with this recording. This recording is going to sound different than most since there are under 30 members in this choir whereas Shaw had more than double that. This lends the recording a transparency and clarity that which in turn I think gives this recording the edge in intensity and power. Hillier's choice of tempi in general are very natural and never stretch the music too far nor does it ever fell rushed. The soloists give very powerful performances and their recitations are a welcome addition, which brings me to the clincher for this recording. Vladimir Miller is my new hero. What a huge and deep voice from this famous basso profondo. His super deep C, B, and Bb's are the stuff of dreams, all in full voice and with unfailing intonation. He literally made the performance for me. No other recording has him, thus, this is the best. An exotic and passionate recording of a beautiful piece of music, buy without reservation. If you want more than one, get Shaw's as well as it is the perfect compliment."