Lvovsky’s "Lord, Have Mercy" is quite a celebrated work and very evocative of an actual Russian Orthodox Liturgy. It was composed for the special service of the “Elevation of the Cross.” As the priest holds the Holy Cross, the Deacon intones the petition for mercy, and the chorus follows with the words “Ghospodi, pomiluy" or "Lord, have mercy,” with 78 repetitions. As the priest slowly bows with the cross to the ground, the volume of the repetitions gets softer and softer. As he raises the Cross high, so, too, does the volume of the countless repetitions. The Deacon intones a second petition for mercy, and the whole choral cycle repeats. It is a unique musical experience, unlike any other piece we sing.

-Dennis Keene

GRIGORY LVOVSKY Lord, Have Mercy

Voices of Ascension
Dennis Keene, Artistic Director
Deacon: Arizeder Urreiztieta, bass

Recorded on February 4, 2015
Church of the Ascension, New York, NY

The singers in this performance are represented by the American Guild of Musical Artists, AFL-CIO.