The Moscow-based choral conductor and composer Pavel Chesnokov (1877-1944) was responsible for 500 choral works, mostly sacred, designed for the Russian Orthodox tradition. From the Romantic opulence of his All-Night Vigil (his second account is recorded here), the most substantial work on this CD, to the smattering of small-scale works, all disclose Chesnokov's acute response to text and an accomplished use of texture. While perhaps lacking the last ounce of Russian authenticity to their sound, the assembled forces of St John's Voices and the Cambridge University Chamber Choir under Graham Walker penetrate deep into this attractive corner of Russian repertoire. Their sound is gorgeously blended and resonant, aided only in part by the warm acoustics of St John's College chapel.

Jessica Kinney (s), Natalie Manning (a), Tom Butler (bar), St John's Voices, Cambridge University Chamber Choir / Graham Walker (dir) Naxos 8.574496 [65:42] ★★★★