Hilarion Alfeyev: De profundis

Metropolitan Hilarion Alfeyev is one of the most widely performed of all living Russian composers. Each of his new compositions constitutes a milestone in contemporary musical history. His ability to imbue music with profound religious content, to unite diverse cultures and styles, to invent new ways of musical expression while remaining faithful to the centuries-old classical tradition, and to utter most profound themes using a simple and comprehensible musical language, singles him out among present-day composers. His most widely performed work, the St Matthew Passion (2006) has received worldwide recognition. Since its 2007 Moscow premiere, it has received more than 70 performances in different countries by the most distinguished soloists, choirs and orchestras, garnering standing ovations at every concert. This SACD features five works by Metropolitan Hilarion produced over a thirty-year period, performed by the Russian National Orchestra, the first Russian ensemble ever to take home a Grammy®.