Yekaterinburg Philharmonic Choir & Andrei Petrenko - A Tribute to Alexander Arkhangelsky (2025)

This album is dedicated to the greatest master of Russian sacred music, Alexander Arkhangelsky (1846–1924). The son of a priest, he became famous as an outstanding choirmaster, educator, composer, and founder of one of the best choral groups of that time. His legacy includes the All-Night Vigil, two Liturgies, and several dozen spiritual hymns. Arkhangelsky’s music perfectly conveys the spirit of Russian Orthodox worship, distinguished by its amazing melody and heartfelt warmth. At the beginning of the 20th century his music could be regularly heard in services across Russia; his sacred choral concertos were especially popular. On this Fuga Libera recording the Yekaterinburg Philharmonic Choir, under Andrei Petrenko, presents a variety of examples of this genre, along with selected items from the All-Night Vigil. “Arkhangelsky’s music conveys an extraordinary light,” says the Maestro. “Even in its sorrow, it gives one hope, and not despair.”

Yekaterinburg Philharmonic Choir
Andrei Petrenko, conductor

TRACKLIST

1. Yekaterinburg Philharmonic Choir & Andrei Petrenko - Arkhangelsky: All-Night Vigil: Praise the Lord, O My soul
2. Yekaterinburg Philharmonic Choir & Andrei Petrenko - Arkhangelsky: All-Night Vigil: Gladsome Light
3. Yekaterinburg Philharmonic Choir & Andrei Petrenko - Arkhangelsky: All-Night Vigil: Now Lettest Thou Thy Will
4. Yekaterinburg Philharmonic Choir & Andrei Petrenko - Arkhangelsky: All-Night Vigil: Rejoice, O Virgin Mary
5. Yekaterinburg Philharmonic Choir & Andrei Petrenko - Arkhangelsky: All-Night Vigil: Glory to God in the Highest
6. Yekaterinburg Philharmonic Choir & Andrei Petrenko - Arkhangelsky: All-Night Vigil: Thee the Champion Leader
7. Yekaterinburg Philharmonic Choir & Andrei Petrenko - Arkhangelsky: Concerto No. 7: Lord, Hear My Prayer
8. Yekaterinburg Philharmonic Choir & Andrei Petrenko - Arkhangelsky: Concerto No. 30: Blessed Is He That Considereth the Poor
9. Yekaterinburg Philharmonic Choir & Andrei Petrenko - Arkhangelsky: Concerto No. 17: I Think of the Terrible Day
10. Yekaterinburg Philharmonic Choir & Andrei Petrenko - Arkhangelsky: Concerto No. 1: To the Mother of God Diligently
11. Yekaterinburg Philharmonic Choir & Andrei Petrenko - Arkhangelsky: Concerto No. 26: Praise the Lord from the Heavens
12. Yekaterinburg Philharmonic Choir & Andrei Petrenko - Arkhangelsky: Concerto No. 13: Give Heed, O God, to My Prayer
13. Yekaterinburg Philharmonic Choir & Andrei Petrenko - Arkhangelsky: Concerto No. 8: We Praise Thee, God