Svetilen
Svetilen
Genres: russian, neofolk, spiritual
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Заросли Вереска
About Svetilen
The ensemble "Svetilen" was formed in 1989 to preserve the old Russian tradition in singing. This tradition is reflected in two types of singing: church and secular singing. Both evolve around the meaning of the sacred word, which attests 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, koliosnaya lira, duduk and hatamba) 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 researches. He considers this style dominating in oldRussia, when neither monks nor congregation had any notion 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. "Svetilen" doesn't only bring sacred Russian music to contemporary audiences. It is concerned about the genetic memory and the idea of national identity. D.Garkavi and his five professional partners are united in their care about restoration and promotion of living tradition of ancient Russian choral culture.
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