Ukrainian Christmas a Joy in Any Language

Here is a Christmas album everyone can enjoy. Even if you don't like Christmas. And especially if you're tired of the same old holiday tunes. Ukrainian composer Bohdan Kryvopust has put together a wonderful album of Christmas carols from his native land. 

The release features the artistry of Ukrainian violinist Solmiya Ivakhiv. She's supported by the Lviv National Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra, directed by Serhii Khorovets.

The liner notes spell out the intent. "Produced during a time of Russia’s ruthless war on Ukrainian soil, the melodies and music-making of these artists take on extra meaning. Ukrainians are a spivuchy nation – a singing people who will not be silenced. No matter what difficulty befalls them, they lift their voices in song, and their holiday carols always lift their spirits."

I was unfamiliar with most of these Ukrainian carols. But every track on this album is absolutely beautiful. The arranger, the soloist, the orchestra, and the conductor are indeed on a mission.  And that mission is to make the most joyous musical celebration possible. 

And they succeed. There's energy and urgency in these performances that's hard to describe. But what a listening experience! It is festive music, but there's more. 

These musicians communicate a sense of pride. Pride in their shared cultural traditions that stretch back centuries. 

Kyrvopust's "Fantasia" on the Bell Carol is a real showpiece. And Ivakhiv plays it with fire and verve. Even though I wasn't familiar with most of these carols, they all evoke the holiday spirit. 

Among the many classical holiday albums released this year, "Ukrainian Christmas" is a real standout. Heck, I'd even say it's one of the standouts of the past decade. 

Highly recommended.

Ukrainian Christmas
Arranged by Bohdan Kryvopust
Solomiya Ivakhiv, violin
Lviv National Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra; Serhii Korovets, conductor
Naxos 8.574677