As The Angels Sung


  • Recorded: 19th February 2022
  • Record Place: Ballet hall of VUS Ondráš
  • First Release: 2022
  • (P) 2022 SUPRAPHON a.s.
  • Genre: Chamber Music

Artists

  • music by: Jiří Slavík
  • original lyrics by: Czech carol
  • arrangement: Jiří Slavík
  • conductor: Jiří Slavík
  • singing: Michaela Šilhavíková
  • singing: Ondřej Popelka
  • musical group: VUS Ondráš
  • musical group: Ondráš Female Choir
  • musical group: Ondráš Children´s Choir

Album

VUS Ondráš, Jiří Slavík

Path of Light / Cesta světla / České a moravské koledy a zpěvy vánoční

Digital services

Catalogue Number: SU 4321-2
Published: 25th November 2022
Genre: Chamber Music
Format: 1 CD
The Ondráš Military Art Ensemble – folk instruments orchestra, girls’ and children’s choir. Conductor: Jiří Slavík

“And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.” John the Evangelist’s words inspired the title of a remarkable Christmas cycle, rendering its profound message, diverting our attention from glittering decorations and refocusing on the very reason for celebrating Christmas – commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. Many a time with a breath-taking directness, traditional carols clearly capture the poetics of the Nativity and the story of those who were there. Such carols were precisely that which resounded in the mind of Jiří Slavík, a seasoned young jazz musician and composer with a penchant for folklore, in the spring of 2020, when a pandemic locked us down in our homes. “No one had the slightest inkling as to when we would again be able to play and sing together.” The songs immediately became a source of hope, hope that light would begin shining soon. The carols acquired their shape, sometimes soft and intimate, at others bolder, symphonically opulent. Interludes and songs inspired by the Biblical story came to life, ultimately engendering a whole cycle. From the beginning, it was intended to be performed by The Ondráš Military Art Ensemble – an orchestra and choir specialising in folk music, yet willing to cross the genre’s borders. As interpreted by the singers and instrumentalists, the Bohemian and Moravian carols sound absolutely natural, often in unconventional colour arrangements. This type of music – just like any music retelling a powerful story – requires quietening. When we let tranquillity take over our minds, we may touch upon a secret.

The Nativity story in Bohemian and Moravian Christmas carols
Czech carol
1. News We Bring 02:18
Czech carol
2. There Was a Forged Pathway 04:33
Jiří Slavík
3. Mary's Song of Worship 02:48
Jiří Slavík
4. As The Angels Sung 04:00
Jiří Slavík
5. Eyes of Newborn Jesus 00:49
Czech carol
6. Christ Has Been Born 03:04
Czech carol
7. Such Beautiful Little Newborn 03:17
Adam Václav Michna z Otradovic
8. Wanting That He Sleeps 03:45
Czech carol
9. Christ Was Born 02:38
Czech carol
10. Lord, Give Us Your Blessing 03:29
Czech carol
11. Caroling at Christmas 01:54
Czech carol
12. Sitting Householder 04:35
Czech carol
13. Two Cocks 01:50
Czech carol
14. Christmas Eve Came 03:17
Jiří Slavík
15. Gloria in Excelsis Deo 01:17
Czech carol
16. Lord, Give Glory 02:29
Czech carol
17. Merry Christmas 02:22

Linked video