Customer Reviews
Unique bass voices 
2009-01-07
Given the unique beauty of these gorgeous deep Russian voices, I would have wanted more specifically basso profondo stand-alone pieces on this recording. There are some, but they are interspersed or mingled with rather too many ordinary bass and tenor pieces. The recording quality is fine.
Incredible bass singing. 
2008-07-14
While I do not give this a five, it is truly a CD of awesome MEGA bass singing. It is difficult to think that some mens voices can, indeed, sing such incredibly deep notes. It inspires awe and an appreciation of what the human singing voice can do. "The Orthodox Singers" male choir provides the background music, making a perfect platform for the extraordinary, very deep voices to shine. As always, I am also very impressed with the a capella singing in Russian Churches. It fills ones soul with the beauty of the music and a longing to be at peace with God. The only fault I can find is the "sameness" of some of the music. However, all in all this CD is definitely a keeper to be enjoyed for years to come.
Beautiful, Haunting, Awe-Inspiring 
2008-05-13
Let's be honest, very few recordings we purchase these days really completely impress us to the point of awe. I hadn't experienced that kind of wonder in a long time until I purchased this recording. Not only are these voices extremely low but they are so dark and powerful, they actually sound great singing that low! They are not growling or using vocal-fry, these guys are really that low! Mixed in with the choral works are recitations done by bass soloists as in the Russian Orthodox Mass. After I attended a Romanian Orthodox mass last year I was immediately struck by the power of the music and being a bass myself, the low singing is what most captured my interest. Surrounded by a wonderful choir, these basses shine with great intonation and a huge cavernous sound. Love it
Basso Profondo from Old Russia 2008-02-18
An incredible disc - magnificently recorded - including mainly sacred music from mesmerizing chant to soaring anthem but also a taste of patriotic and popular tunes. The amazing impact of the Russian "Oktavists" has to be heard to be believed. The sound of performers, singing an octave below the normal bass range with clarity and beautiful resonance, has been compared to the 16 foot pedal registration on a magnificent pipe organ. I am a musicologist and conduct classes from time to time on musical appreciation. I have lost count of the number of students who have ask me to get them a copy of this disc after experiencing it during my presentations. If you have never heard the Russian Basso Profondos you are in for a not to be forgotten experience.
Authentic Russian Music 2007-08-25
Have you ever bought folk or choral music from another country & were disappointed with either the recording or non-professional singing? Not so with this near masterpiece. "The Orthodox Singers" male choir from Moscow was formed in 1992 with 14 singers from several churches in Moscow. Several of the choir sing near an octave below the normal bass line & are called "Oktavists". Most of the songs in this recording are sacred with a few popular songs added in for good taste. A few times a solo Oktavist sings in the orthodox deacon style, chanting a sermon or reading while the choir sings the melody. The balance of the songs are done within a standard choral arrangement with several Oktavists singing the lowest note of the chord. I want to rate this CD with a "5" but sometimes the chanting Oktavists lack that extra "Awe" which should cause the fear of God in you. I have "Electrostatic" speakers & was surprised to hear the Oktavists in the panels, which mean the basses sing above 250Hz.
A good buy if you want to hear something different.
Enjoyment of old Russian liturgical nusic 2007-01-09
The Basso Profundo recording reminds one of the recordings of Tibetan Monks in chant and is very stirring.
Finally, a recording I can sing along with! 2006-11-03
As a low bass and wannabe octavist, I really enjoy singing along with this recording. Luckily, I have performed the Rachmaninov "All Night Vigil", Tchaikovshy "Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom", and other works in Old Church Slavonic, so the words are mostly familiar.
I still find it amazing that these singers can make notes in the midrange still sound low! Enjoy!
Good Music from Russia 2005-07-21
This CD is very good for those who like Christian orthodox music. Buy it!
Great CD 2003-03-02
I have done a good bit of research on basso profundo's, contrabasses, etc and these guys seem to be lower than any I've heard. The soloist on "Do Not Reject Me In My Old Age" has a full voiced G1, below low bass C which he hits a number of times on the CD. Very amazing recording... good musically, not the VERY best choir I've ever heard or anything, but definetly good. Russian music is great, many of the tracks are very dark musically, but there are some more majestic tracks, and a few tracks that sound kinda militaristic.
Well Below the Bass Range 2002-01-15
The music on this CD won't be to everyone's liking, but the unique sound of the voice of a "basso profundo" or "octavist"
is a musical rarity that shouldn't be missed. These basses have a gripping effect, with a timbre resembling that of an organ's pedal tones. These basses can sing the low A below the bass range. They are, simply, extraordinarily powerful voices. Savor the unearthly sound of them. Who knows - you might just get to like Russian polyphonic liturgical chant, as well.
