Reviewed by John Irvine

I have a number of theological reservations about this one. The text and sleeve notes by Mother Thekla, the prioress of a Russian Orthodox community, appear to be saying that we can avoid God's judgment by not judging others; that there are many paths to salvation; that nothing we can do "can relieve this undeflected assurance that we do not know...how we shall stand before Christ Judge." There is some truth in what she says. However, Christ is the only source of salvation; we do know that we stand condemned before Christ, but justified in Christ, and this by faith; we do not avoid judgment by not judging - rather, a more fundamental conversion is called for. I thought it was important to state my misgivings about the ideas in the text before turning to the music itself. However well the opera worked when seen on a stage with a full cast of singers and dancers, it just doesn't work on record. The theology is confusing, the drama obscure (what's so interesting about a converted prostitute spending 47 years alone in the desert, anyway?). The music is too simple and static to be sustained over two hours, based as it is on a single 'ison' or drone. All in all it's a very disappointing follow up to the magnificent 'We Shall See Him As He Is', which had drama, urgency, power and a straightforward and biblical message. Better luck next time, John.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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