#easternorthodoxchant

[deborahdeshoftim5779]

The Basiani Ensemble showcase the marvel of Georgian polyphony. I will take some time to read about the development of Georgian music, because it is completely unlike most other countries in Europe or Asia Minor. From the little I know, its disconnect from other nations allowed the development of a completely unique form of polyphony, using dissonances unheard of in Western music. I have listened to Georgian Orthodox chant and Georgian folk music before, and have been awed by the richness of sound they can produce, entirely without instruments. This is a superb concert, the voices are flawless! 

[deborahdeshoftim5779]

Divna Ljubojevic & Melodi-  Dostojno jest / Достојно јест

[deborahdeshoftim5779]

Divna & Melόdi - Stihire Pashe / Стихире Пасхе. Divna Ljubojevic is a Serbian singer who specialises in Byzantine Chant, and chants from the Eastern Orthodox Churches. Her voice is crystal clear, able to maintain the difficult melodic lines required for this kind of music. I believe this title means the Chant for Pascha, or Easter. (Only recently did I realise that the word “Pascha” has Hebrew roots, which is unsurprising, as this feast was based on Pesach). 

[deborahdeshoftim5779]

Those interested in Eastern Orthodox music will enjoy this compilation of Serbian, Greek, Russian, and Arabic language chants from throughout the centuries. 

[deborahdeshoftim5779]

The great Serbian singer, Divna Ljubojevic in concert with her choir, “Melodi”, with Eastern Orthodox chants. While not Eastern Orthodox, I do admire the musical tradition. Ljubojevic sings very pure notes, which suits the difficult melodic lines of Eastern Orthodox and Byzantine chanting. 

[deborahdeshoftim5779]

Дивна Љубојевић, "Господи сил с нами буди", валаамски напев, арр. Д. Љубојевић

[deborahdeshoftim5779]

Eastern Orthodox Chants in Church Slavonic (predominantly, I believe), sung by church choirs in Bulgaria. 

[deborahdeshoftim5779]

For those interested in Russian Orthodox choral music, the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom (a Church father). Chanted by monks from the Valaam Monastery. The harmonic blending in Russian Orthodox Chant is outstanding. As a linguist, I am also interested in the use of Church Slavonic here.