Shteinberg M. Holy Week. On ancient Russian chants. For mixed choir a cappella

“Passion Week” op. 13 was being created by M. O. Steinberg from 1921 to 1926 despite the ban on sacred music in Soviet Russia, without any hope for its publication and performance. For a long time the score was considered lost, but years later the work was discovered by American conductor Igor Buketoff, a descendant of Russian emigrants. There explanation exists that in the U. S. “Passion Week” was brought to the U. S. by D. Shostakovich himself, a favorite Steinberg’s pupil, during one of his trips abroad. He also gave the score to Buketoff. After the death of the conductor, the manuscript was passed to publisher Barbara Mouk , daughter of Buketoff, who published this work in the United States.

The edition that you are holding in your hands is the first publication of “Passion Week” in Russia, which is published after the score kept in the library of the State Academic Cappella of St. Petersburg.

Contents

M. Steinberg. PASSION WEEK. After the Old Russian chant
For mixed choir a cappella

1. Alleluia (Znamenny chant) (Music text example)
2. Behold, the Bridegroom Comes (Znamenny chant)
3. Thy Bridal Chamber (Kievan chant)
4. When the Glorious Disciples (Znamenny chant)
5. The Master’s Hospitality (Znamenny chant) (Music text example)
6. Of Thy Mystical Supper (Znamenny chant)
7. The Noble Joseph (Bulgarian chant)
8. The Wise Thief
9. Do Not Lament Me, O Mother (Znamenny chant)
10. Arise, O God (Znamenny chant)
11. Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silent (Znamenny chant)