May be, for Christian public worship Byzantine singing means approximately the same as Sanskrit means for many languages of the world. If it not the fundamental principle, then the main bearer of the main prototype. Still, it also has passed its own road of development. Along with this one, we present two more discs of this group – the singing of
Ancient Russian and
Iveria Churches, so you have the chance to compare. There is no strict aloofness of the former and mountain melody of the latter here, but still you will immediately feel zest of it. As Byzantine empire was rich, the same way this singing is rich. You can easily feel that its roots lie in hot Southern East. Gentle patterns, luxurious melodies, variety of nuances immediately paint a temple in front of you, which is not cool and white, but hot with the Sun and may be even too decorated both inside and outside. Here a warm and joyful divine service takes place.
Anton Jozhik Leyba (Hedgehog)