Stravinsky: Pater Noster (Otche nash, Our Father)

“There are few vocal ensembles that can work up a concept album like The King's Singers, and this somewhat disparate collection of sacred pieces blossoms into something rather wonderful...The performances have all the panache that we associate with this group” BBC Music Magazine, December 2012 *****

“what a rewarding CD this is, gloriously sung and perfectly recorded.” Gramophone Magazine, December 2012

'If ever a style of performance were to bring people towards Stravinsky's church music, this is it' (Organists' Review)

“Any Stravinsky recording making the point that the 20th century's paramount composer wrote more than just a few early ballet scores (however great those are) is resoundingly welcome, and even more so at Naxos's bargain price… If you're curious to explore beyond The Firebird and The Rite of Spring, don't hesitate.” Classic FM Magazine

“This superb collection duplicates the aurally fascinating Harmonia Mundi disc (see opposite) in the Cantata and the superb Mass in fine, authoritative performances from Robert Craft.
He does not have the advantage of Carolyn Sampson among his soloists but he does have excellent choral singing, and in the glorious Symphony of Psalms the Philharmonia Orchestra on top form. This is the highlight of the programme, a superbly structured account, rich in lyrical feeling, building to the frisson-creating 'Alleluias' of the closing section. The Cantata is finely sung and played, with characteristically clear instrumental detail, and the mini-cantata Babel, with its spoken narration and choral responses, is also a success.
The programme opens with three brief Russian sacred chorales which are immediately appealing and as idomatic as one can expect from non-Russian singers. The recordings were made over a decade between 1992 and 2002 and are of good quality, with the Symphony of Psalms (2001) – made at Abbey Road – standing out on all counts. Craft is obviously uplifted by the music of the composer's supreme vocal masterpiece.
As always with Naxos, excellent documentation, with the detailed notes provided by Craft himself. A bargain!” Gramophone Classical Music Guide, 2010

Once again it is the human voice that allows us to express ourselves in ways that affect us deeply. Ikon gives us the power to remember, to reflect, to hope and ultimately to rejoice. The composers featured here are from differing traditions but all speak with the same passion and conviction. All let the language create the music and thus allow the music to enter our hearts.- Harry Christophers

“A dark gold Orthodox light permeates all the performances, which lends a consistency to the whole programme. It is music in a continuous state of exaltation - from open-mouthed awe to ecstatic joy. …70 minutes of tranquil, wistful beauty.” BBC Music Magazine, May 2006 ****

“This rich collection demonstrates yet again the superb quality of this justly celebrated choir.” Gramophone Magazine, May 2006