The sacred music of so-called Baroque-period is the highest achievement of Ukrainian musical heritage which reflects revival of creative forces of the Ukrainian people at the latter half of the 17th century and the early 18th century. It was an age of sweeping changes in entire system of musical thought, a revamping of creative principles and a renewal of forms and genres, when sonorous polyphony began to sound next to monophonic hymnody.
The Chamber Choir "KIEV" starts with choral Ecclesiastical Hymns of their fellow-townsman Nikolai Diletsky, who lived more then 300 years ago. Creative work of this composer, the classic of choral polyphony, is recently opened and yet a little known for the wide audience. To him belongs the first written work about problems of the musical theory, aesthetics and composition; he is the author of Liturgy and several choral concertos. In N.Diletsky music were embodied the major attributes of European baroque style with synthesis of power national traditions. To his compositions are typical clearness, balance between thin polyphonic ways and clear chord structure.
Quadrophonic Liturgy, fragments from which are performed by choir "KIEV" concerns to early forms of choral polyphony. The concerto for two choirs "Came into the Church " is colorful, contrast composition intended for holiday solemn festive services.
Dmitry Bortnyansky /1751-1825/ was, in his day, the most famous composer in the Russian Empire and was named the "Russian Mozart"- ironic as he was born in Glukhovo of Ukraine. He also studied in Italy where he composed several operas now lost. He made a great contribution to development of cappella music. He based his music on national traditions and European musical technique, connecting the features of the late baroque style his attributes of the early classicism.
Artemy Vedel /1767-1806/ - was peculiar and colorful figure in music of 18th century. He, as anybody of his time, was closely connected to Ukrainian environment. His music is full with intonations of sacred Chants and Psalms. We may say that he "speaks" by Ukrainian musical language. But the main is that his concerts reflect the sacred world of his time. Most of his works are lost, however those that remain have become highly popular and have great success.
In a short period of time chamber choir "KIEV" has put itself among the most outstanding chamber choirs in Europe through its high artistic standards and startling vocal talents. Formed in 1990 from former students of the Kiev State Conservatoire, the choir rapidly won international distinction. In 1992 the choir won the Golden Diploma at the 1st Schumann International Choral Competition in Zwickau in Germany. This was followed by winning first prize at the 12th International competition of Chart Music in Poland in 1993. In October 1993 chamber choir "KIEV" won the Grand Prix at the 7th international Choirs Competition at Sligo in Irland, and at 1994, at Llangolen, they won 2nd Prize at the Choir of the Year Competition, with the soprano Valentine Boiko winning singer of the Year Competition.
The Chamber Choir "KIEV" has toured many European countries including USA, Germany, Belgium, Holland, England, Ireland and Walls.
O THOU THE ONLY BEGOTTEN SON(N.Diletsky)
CHOIR CONCERTO #35, mov.1(D.Bortnyansky)
O LORD, HEAR MY PRAYER (D.Bortniyansky)
CONCERTO "I HAVE CRIED TO THE LORD"mov.1
CONCERTO "I HAVE CRIED TO THE LORD"mov.2
CONCERTO "I HAVE CRIED TO THE LORD"mov.3
LET OUR MOUTH BE FILLED WITH THY PRAISE
CHOIR CONCERTO # 17, mov.1 (A.Vedel)"