Sunday, August 21, 2011

SUNDAY RESPITE-Russian Orthodox chant

It is so harmonically rich, and very moving - even if you don't know the words exactly. The harmonies emote. You can hear the grief and pain.

4 comments:

sue said...

Joe - I found this Russian Orthodox Chant to be exactly as you describe it.

It also seems to me to have the ability to bring about an inner peace in spite of the deepness of the grief that it represents.

Joe said...

sue: It is a peaceful sound. And I heard hints of the great old hymn, "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross."

Joe said...

sue: In a minor key, of course.

sue said...

Joe - One of my favorite hymns - and perhaps one of the most meaningful is:

Must Jesus bear the Cross alone,
and all the world go free?
No, there's a Cross for everyone, and there's a Cross for me.

How happy are the saints Above,
who once went sorrowing here!
But now they taste unmingled Love,
and Joy without a tear.

The Consecrated Cross I'll bear till death shall set me free;
and then go Home my Crown to wear, for there's a Crown for me.


words: Thomas Shepherd (and others)
1855

music: George N. Allen 1844