 Ensemble of Ancient Russian MusicSVETILEN
The ensemble of Ancient Russian Music Svetilen was formed in 1989 to take care of old Russian tradition in singing. This tradition is reflected in two types of singing; church singing and secular singing. Both are marked by the meaning of the sacred word.
This testifies to their common starting point and the same cultural and musical background. Musical compositions are usually performed a capella, but sometimes ancient Russian instruments (gusli and kalosnaya lira) are used, giving a peculiar sound.
Svetilen tries to evaluate this legacy from the view points of modern people and to bring new conceptions to old Russian choral culture. The search for original choral arrangements, rhythmic patterns and harmonies, reflecting the character and forms of sacred and folk music is the main guideline for Svetilen aimed at the final objective of adopting stylistic validity.
The specific profile of the ensemble is based upon two characteristic features. First, the sound quality has a distinctive open ethnographical manner, used to perform sacred music. The leader of the ensemble, D. Garkavi, makes this strategy quite relevant, following the results of musicological research.
D. Garkavi considers this style dominating in old Russia, when neither monks nor congregations had any nation of western academic choral traditions.
Secondly, the repertoire of the group is quite interesting and includes liturgical, folk and modern music. The most original item in the program of the ensemble is a set of spiritual chants, arranged by D. Garkavi.z
Svetilen doesn't only bring old Russian music to contemporary audiences. It is concerned about the genetic memory and the idea of national identity. D. Garkavi and his six professional partners are united in their care about restoration and promotion of old Russian choral culture.
The group has high records both in Russia and abroad. Svetilen merits speak for themselves:-
1. 9th, 10th and 11th International Festivals of Orthodox Music in Moscow (1997, 1998, 1999)
2. Nevskiye Assembly in St. Petersburg (1998)
3. Festivals in Budapest, Hungary (1997) receiving 1st Prize and Special Prize of Jury.
4. Oskarhamn in Sweden (1997), Prize-winner and Prize of Audience.
5. Pohlheim, Germany (1998), Golden Prize and Special Prize of Jury.
6. Bartok Festival in Budapest, Wernigerode in Germany (1999) Golden Prize
7.First World Choir Olimpiade in Linz, Austria (2000) Silver Prize.
The group has performed in many Russian towns as well as in Hungary, Sweden and Germany. Tours in France ( Autumn 2001, Spring 2002) enjoyed a great success.
No doubt Svetilen is a welcome guest at the most famous concert halls in Russia such as in the Kremlin, Moscow Conservatoire, Russian Culture Foundation, the Choir Chapel of St. Petersburg and others.
The ensemble has released a CD From Christmas Till Easter (under the patronage of Nikita Mikhalkov and Trite studio), a tape of spiritual chants in cooperation with Orthodox studio Radonezh. The CD Popular and Traditonal Songs. Russia issued in cooperation with the French firm Russian Seasons The latest work of the ensemble is the CD From East to West.
Download MP3 samples of Svetilen's music here
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