Hymns of Kassianí

Cinemusical Review

Hymns of Kassianí

The music is rather striking… The performances transport the listener back in time to experience this music in stunning sound. … Highly Recommended!

The music is rather striking with pedal points that provide a base line against the chant lines that stay mostly syllabic with little melismas for extra emphasis.  Listeners more familiar with Gregorian Chant will also notice a decidedly different modal quality with the unique lines turning in unique ways that have closer parallels in Middle Eastern chant styles. … The performances transport the listener back in time to experience this music in stunning sound.  Notes and additional information in the accompanying booklet help further bring Kassiani’s music to life by the premiere ensemble performing these ancient Byzantine music.  More music from the woman canonized as Kassiani the Hymnographer is forthcoming this year. … Highly Recommended!

–Steven A. Kennedy