Download
part of track
Choir concertos were very popular among Russian composers of the 17th and 18th centuries. New styles and genres came in the end of the 18th century reducing the role of choral concertos. Artemi Vedel's works were among the last outstanding choral concertos of this epoque.
Dramatic pages of his concertos are imbued with the spirit of many genres while melodies are deeply influenced by Russian folk songs.
Vedel's biography is surrounded by mysterious events. It is unclear what caused his resignation and the imperial edict banning performances of his works. The reason for his arrest and confinement to a lunatic asylum, where he died, is also unknown. Perhaps, there were political reasons, but sufficient to make such conclusions information does not exist.
One can hear in the sorrowful concentration and deep meditation of the concertos an autobiographical tone, interrupted by pathos and angry accusations, an echo of the tragic fate of the composer.
Artemi Vedel
(1767 - 1808)
Choir Concertos
1. No. 8 I Will Bless the Lord Who Hath Given Me Counsel
- 8:02
2. No. 9 I Cried to Thee, O Lord - 9:40
3. No. 10 Thou Art My Strength - 6:29
4. No. 11 I Praise Thee - 6:22
5. No. 12 Hearken, O Daughter, and Consider - 7:02
6. No. 13 How Long, O Lord - 9:16
7. No. 14 We Have No Other Help - 5:55
8. No. 15 O God, the Heathen Are Come - 9:30
Total time - 62:16
The Kiev Lyatoshinksky Chamber Choir
Artistic Director - Victor Ikonnik
Recorded in the St. Sophia Cathedral of Kiev