[Sheehan’s] Vespers synthesizes traditional Russian Orthodox chants and melodies with exceptional multi-part choral writing. With this hourlong 13-part recording, Sheehan and the Saint Tikhon Choir make a tremendous contribution not merely to the Orthodox musical repertoire but to American choral music writ large.…

The choral and solo writing is strikingly beautiful and emotionally gripping. Listeners need not have any knowledge of the Orthodox church to get swept up in this music.

It features transcendent harmonies and sublime solo voices. The latter range from soprano Fotina Naumenko (“O Gladsome Light”) and countertenor Timothy Parsons (“The Lord Is King | Psalm 92”) to the astoundingly deep-voiced Glenn Miller (“The Song of Simeon”).…

The recording is clean, balanced, and dimensional, like the other Cappella Records releases I’ve reviewed – Hymns of Kassianí and Lost Voices of Hagia Sophia. Listen with good headphones or on a high quality stereo system to experience the full richness. Benedict Sheehan: Vespers is a rich treat for the ear and for the mind. I can’t recommend it highly enough for anyone with a love of choral music or an interest in liturgical music.