Prayers for Mankind celebrates the life and writings of Father Alexander Men, a Russian Orthodox Christian priest who, whilst being little known outside of his home country during his lifetime, has come to be hailed as a saint and martyr by thousands all over the world. 2010 marks the anniversary of what would have been his 85th Birthday, as well as 20 years since his brutal assassination on the way to a Sunday morning service.
Following years of religious suppression under the communist regime, Father Alexander Men emerged as a leading Christian and humanitarian figure in Russia, through radio and TV broadcasts and his prolific written works. These prayers, set by Russian composer Alexander Levine, capture the beauty and humanity of Men’s view of the world, and is brought vividly to life by Nigel Short’s professional chamber choir Tenebrae.
A recent review for Tenebrae (from their June disc - Figure Humaine, SIGCD197)
“… they seem to have an extra gear, a kind of choral over-drive that allows them to soar almost serenely over corners that have some of the finest vocal ensembles showing the strain.”
BBC Radio 3, CD Review, Andrew McGregor, May 2010
"This is a notable new choral work and it’s impossible to imagine that it could have been served better than by Tenebrae. Both this composition and the performance it receives are significant achievements."
Musicweb-International
"The burnished warmth of the choral blend and the absolute clarity and purity of the sound continue to amaze."
All Music Guide
"This CD will be enjoyed by all lovers of contemporary choral music and fine choral singing."
