"Pierucci has created a deeply-felt and clearly moving work of art which is exceptionally well performed and recorded here. The rich acoustic suits the music well, and it is a welcome surprise to encounter such a fine Organ in this part of Northern Europe.   [Regina Derieva's] thoughtful and penetrating text is well captured by this genuine and gifted composer… A fascinating and important issue." - 

"There is something edifying about the beautiful delivery of Via Crucis, a shy, simple 50-minute retelling of the 14 Stations of the Cross. The music, by Fr, Armando Pierucci, ofm, organist at the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, seems to cross many barriers. It takes as its basis a series of poems by the Russian Roman Catholic poet Regina Derieva. Pierucci’s restrained settings not only feel apt for the forces (the Lithuanian Chamber Choir Aidija, but embrace an idiom that is timeless.  The choruses, solos and organ interludes are simple and diatonic, yet somehow fresh and original. The four soloists are first class. English and Italian translations are included.  - 

"Pierucci's cantata "Via Crucis" is a most remarkable work. The music is highly traditional and, whilst it is in no way derivative, it will appeal to those who love the choral music of Fauré, Rachmaninov and Elgar. The music does not tire after a few hearings; indeed its spiritual depths become gradually more appreciable with repetition. As with all great music, it can be perceived at different levels; individual listeners will no doubt find it their own particular exploration of interior emotion.  The quality of choral and soloist singing is of high excellence throughout - likewise the organ playing; … .this muusic is a major discovery and proof positive that great choral writing did not die with Elgar in 1934. It is to be hoped that this cantata will be picked up by choral societies and receive a richly deserved place in the choral repertory." - 

"The end of the concert, De Profundis, with music by Armando Pierucci to Regina Derieva’s texts, a cantata for mezzo-soprano, choir, strings and Flute in twelve (!) movements, was a finale in the sign of hope. The music, which in fact had its world premiere here, was basically tonal but very varied. The instruments sometimes played freely with many ritornelle-like phrases, sometimes colla parte with the singers. The soprano soloist had the richest and most expressive parts to perform, and the choir; sometimes a shared male and female choir, often sang choral-like parts.
Wonderful concert with excellent performers."-

"World premiere recordings of music for choir, soprano flute and string quartet by Fra Armando Pierucci, made in Stockholm in a presence of the composer and Regina Derieva – author of the cantata’s text. Music itself was very impressive, often breathtaking transition from full to divided choral music, from the sound of high women's to deep men's voices, which often provide the music with a sonorous bourdon-like foundation. The amplitude of the composition which in the final poem gradually rises above the calm only to disappear in silence-like “ah”, will be remembered by everyone who hears De Profundis sung by the AIDIJA Chamber Choir."

"Heartfelt music from the Holy Land by an Italian Catholic priest... "-