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In Reply to: RE: I raved about the Kansas CIty/Phoenix Choirs' "Passion Week" SACD in Stereophile posted by John Marks on March 28, 2015 at 09:03:02
I listened to this several times and thought the sound was some of the better choral recording I've heard. I just couldn't sit through it more than a few times and so I wondered "Why buy an SACD that I can't bear to listen to?" Very tedious music. First fifteen minutes is heavenly, but the entire work at once is too much.
I have a CD of string quartets which is better music, or at least more interesting, if still not top tier.
Peace,
Tom E
Follow Ups:
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"Life without music is a mistake" (Nietzsche)
I believe that Gretchaninov wrote this music for liturgies in Orthodox churches and not "concert music."
So, when you are within the context of a very long, very formal Orthodox liturgy, it's a different experience than sitting in front of a stereo.
The purpose of this music is to fill space and to take up time and carry people along in a sense of timelessness. It's not about Beethoven's Hegelian "Thesis-Antithesis-Repeat with Dynamic Contrasts-Unexpectedly Modulate" Game Plan for concert music.
Glad you liked the recording, though!
JM
Yes, it is ceremonial music for a very solemn ceremony, so of course it's somber and without much drama, other than the ultimate drama of its subject. I think it was meant to make people contemplative and sorrowful. It is certainly valuable music in that respect, but it does make for a loooong listening session even with superb sound.
I was only advising people to be wary. I borrowed a copy from the library (SACD with perfect playing surface--very rare!) and was glad I did. It was difficult to remove from my wish list because bits of it are strikingly beautiful. But ultimately, I wouldn't want to sit through it very often. Perhaps once per year?!
Peace,
Tom E
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