Algerd Brazis w/ the Zibuokles Women’s Sextet- Favorite Lithuanian Hymns.

DSCN4546Ah, another busy day of work and hockey tonight which crams whatever home life I have into a short window.  As a result, I will try to breeze thru this post for this album I bought to diversify my blog. It was 80 cents.2722480122_3abd331740_b

This album is a collection of Lithuanian hymns, sung by baritone Algerd Brazis with the Zibuokles Women’s sextet.  Brazis died in 2007 at age 92.  He was recognized in his obituary for his 31 year stint with the Chicago Lithuanian Opera as well as his work with the Met in New York.   The Zimbuokles Women’s Sextet , on the other hand were from New Jersey. Louis Stukas was the director. Also a New Jersey native, he passed in 2005.  The organ, which I wish there were more of, was played by Algerdas Kacanauskas.  I had to translate his information.  He was born in St Petersburg in 1917, fled to Germany in 1944, moved to Brooklyn sometime in the 1950’s, and died in 1977.  Along the way, he became a accomplished international organist in Lithuanian circles. and I thought I was not going to do back stories today.2333684931_41bf1e4e24

These hymns were influenced by both Gregorian and Polyphonic singing, although I would argue this album lacks the first part, at least in the sense that makes it interesting.  German chorales and Polish religious hymns also shape this art form which was passed down not from sheet music but rather oral traditions.  If you are looking for rarities here you are out of luck.  These are popular hymns.  They are however not liturgical, which means according to the back of the album, they can be sung at home.DSCN4547

For a sample, I decided to go with “Sveika Marija” or Hail Mary, sung by the baritone, Brazis.VilniusHolyGhostChurch

Meh.  I guess I was expecting a bit deeper organ and a bit more chorus. At least I got this done in twenty minutes.