Rachmaninoff: All-Night Vigil (Vespers) / Thomas, Seattle Pro Musica, et al

---

---

Editorial reviews

Album Description
Sergei Rachmaninov composed the All-Night Vigil in 1915, one of three sacred Slavonic choral works he composed in the span from 1893-1915, during the height of the New Russian Choral School and during Rachmaninov's most active compositional period. The All-Night Vigil, perhaps the crowning achievement in Russian choral music, is comprised of texts for the services of Vespers, Matins and Prime and was probably intended for concert performance rather than for liturgical use. The composition is sometimes more popularly referred to as Rachmaninov's Vespers, but that label is inaccurate when the complete texts of the All-Night Vigil are included. Using authentic Russian chant melodies as the compositional base for nine of the fifteen movements, he composed melodies to sound like chant for the other six.

---

Amazon.com
Though better known for his melodically fertile piano concertos and symphonies, Sergei Rachmaninoff composed some of his most stirring music for unaccompanied chorus in the Russian church music tradition. His Vespers in particular (or "All-Night Vigil," comprising more of the liturgical hours than its Western counterpart) shows a deep connection with Russian folk history and the Orthodox church. Here, Seattle Pro Musica draws on its experience with both early and modern compositions, evoking the traditionally rooted yet deeply personal voice of the composer with a pious, sensuous serenity. Just as Duruflé and other Western composers have riffed off Gregorian chant, Rachmaninoff turns to the resonant tradition of Russian Orthodox liturgy for inspiration but builds a movingly spacious and orchestral fullness from these layers of unaccompanied voices, where the distinctly Russian elements characteristic of Rachmaninov are unmistakable. Notice the formidable depths of the Magnificat or the Nunc Dimittis, where Seattle Pro Musica's basses acquit themselves admirably, though the overall intensity of the vocal blend seems unduly softened at the polyphonic climaxes, which bloom like sunrises on a darkened tundra. In fact, throughout the piece, conductor Karen P. Thomas guides the 15 canticles of this piece toward sublime though somewhat muted conclusions. Seattle Pro Musica's account makes for a fascinating contrast to Stephen Cleobury's stunning recent version with the Choir of King's College, Cambridge. Still, this rendition captures the essential gravity and soaring celebration of these ancient prayers. Listen and be swept up in heavenly rapture. --Matthew Cooke

---

Customer reviews

review by: Herb date: 2007-05-13 rating:
Rachmaniniv All-Night Vigil
Excellent recording. At least the equal of the St Petersburg Chamber Choir, which has also recorded this work. This is an excellent choral ensemble by any standards.

---

review by: DayVee date: 2006-07-13 rating:
Rachmaninoff's "Vespers" an emotional roller coaster ride...
Rachmaninoff's "Vespers" is such a brilliant and deeply felt emotional roller coaster ride-- all 15 teen movements... If you're in the mood to feel sad then put on this CD-- guarantee to stir your soul to unknown heights...

--A. David Burleigh (aka: "Big Dave") an 'AmeriCanadian' Record Producre/ Artist/ Singer-Songwritre.

---

review by: date: 2005-12-22 rating:
a beautiful Vespers
There are so many fine versions of Rachmaninov's All-Night Vigil available, one can afford to be particular in appreciation. Karen P. Thomas' Seattle Pro Musica delivers a finely manicured and wonderfully able version issued on its own label. The treble voices are especially pure, and the basses possess for the most part the necessary heft and depth, but the approach to the score sometimes strikes me as lacking dimension. I always consider the singing of the Nunc dimittus the guiding benchmark of any version of this piece, and tenor Stuart Lutzenhiser, whatever his nationality, offers a beautiful tenor solo. For all the authentic emotional color manifested, the choir, Mr. Lutzenhiser included, ultimately seems not to escape a fetching American sound, and in the end the Slavic heart of the score can seem more cultivated than compelling. But importantly, the musicianship is first rate, the pianissimos are exquisitely realized, and among the 'quicker' versions (56:47) available, especially from non-Russian choirs, this is a beautiful effort worthy of repeated listenings. Should Seattle Pro Musica read this review, I suggest to them a look at Shvedov's Liturgy of St John Chrysostom. I suspect they could work manifest wonders there.

---

review by: date: 2004-01-03 rating:
Just an average person
Im just an average person. Im rather ignorant actually when it comes to music like this. I just recently graduated college and needless to say, this isnt the most popular music amoung my age group. I was introduced to choir music while tripping across a track from Vespers while looking for Rachs 3rd concerto after having seen the movie "Shine". When I listen to this music, I close my eyes and feel like Im floating in air. It flows through you from your eye lids to your toes. Sometimes I have to gasp for air and I feel like crying. Being as im your average person whos never experienced feelings like that from any other medium, I would recommend this to anyone who wants to be moved, regardless of the fact you dont normally listen to this type of music.


review by: date: 1999-08-05 rating:
Remarkable
We bought copies of the cd for our family and friends to introduce them to the richness that choral music brings to the listener. A wonderful cd to enjoy with a warm fire on a cool night.

---

Similar products

Rachmaninoff: Vespers / Cleobury, King's College Choir
Sergei Rachmaninoff: Vespers (Mass for Unaccompanied Chorus)
Mahler: Symphony No. 2 / Mehta, Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
Out Stealing Horses: A Novel
Basso Profondo From Old Russia

---

Similar categories

Music . Styles
Music . Specialty Stores . Custom Stores . Indie Music . Opera & Vocal
Music . Refinements . Format (binding) . CD . CD Album
Music . Refinements . Edition (format) . Main Albums

---