Valentyn Sylvestrov, Kyiv Chamber Choir. Sacred Works. Volume One.

Of course, one may have various attitudes to creativity by Valentyn Sylvestrov. But personally for me, he is one of the most loved composers of nowadays, in particular – among Ukrainian composers. It seems to me that it is just impossible to pass by that rest, internal force and freedom that sound in his works. Confidently – but not boldly, nobly – but without boasting, posturing. Music by Sylvestrov practically always causes the feeling as though he stands in front of the face of eternity with his head uncovered but raised – and you, the listener, at these moments stand next to him, and you do not drop down your glance either, because you can start penetrating high... It might seem that he composes relatively simply – but this is simplicity of experience, mastery and freedom, not simplification of helplessness or laziness. His music phrases are capacious and spacious, colors – saturated and transparent, motions – maximally expedient and eloquent. And one more thing. Possibly, it is about the abovementioned biased attitude to music by Sylvestrov – possibly. But, in any case, from everything that has been heard till now – it is this recording by the chamber choir "Kyiv" that seems most harmonious to me. The most, if you wish, important. Although these are exclusively my feelings – therefore, you'd better listen yourself.

Anton Jozhik Leyba (Hedgehog)