This CD represents masterpieces of Russian Orthodox Church music performed by the famous monastic choir of Kiev Pechersk Monastery. During the centuries the specific style of Christian church chorus music (meditation chanting) was formed in the monastery. The origin of chants is in XI century when monk Anthony, arrived from Aphona, founded the Kiev-Pechersk Monastery Sacred choral music of Kiev Pechersk monastery organically synthesize early Byzantine and Ukrainian folk music traditions. Under influence of south-Slavic Spiritual songs, religious hymns gained a power and became one of brightest characteristics of Ancient Rus in the medieval time. On this CD represented not only traditional Kiev Pechersk Praise and worship masterworks but also classical Rachmaninov vespers, psalms, sacred works by Sarti and other composers. It’s worth to mention "Christ's Resurrection" by Sergey Rachmaninoff. Rachmanoff's works are being performed throughout the world. His symphonies, piano concertos are well known. Still, in the vast space of his music THERE ARE SOME PRESERVED CORNERS. One of which is his evensong. When in 1915 the 42-years old Sergey Rachmaninoff had turned to the church choir music, he was living through a hard period of his life. He confessed he was getting weaker and older and was looking for "air, rest and solitude". The concluding words of this chant bore a special significance for the composer. He stressed the phrase "By Death Shall Death Be Destroyed" by sudden break in the sound dynamics, which turns it into an intimate confession. From ancient times Ukrainian Christmas carols became a symbol of Christmas time. You'll find original Ukrainian Christmas music at the end of this CD.