Rachmaninov: Vespers & Complete All-Night Vigil

Experience the profound spiritual depth and musical brilliance of Sergei Rachmaninoff's "Vespers & Complete All-Night Vigil," a timeless masterpiece that showcases the composer's deep connection to the rituals and music of the Orthodox Church. Composed in a remarkable burst of creativity over just two weeks in 1915, this work is one of only two liturgical settings by Rachmaninoff, who had largely stopped attending church services.

This album, released in 2005, features the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir under the direction of Paul Hillier, delivering a performance that is both polished and deeply resonant with the Russian spirit of the material. The All-Night Vigil, also known as the Vespers, is a setting of texts from the Russian Orthodox All-Night Vigil service, blending ancient chant traditions with Rachmaninoff's distinctive compositional voice.

The album opens with the majestic "Come, let us worship," setting the tone for a journey through the sacred texts and melodies that form the backbone of the Orthodox liturgy. Each of the fifteen sections is meticulously crafted, with ten of them based on traditional chants as required by the Russian Orthodox Church. The choir's performance captures the essence of these texts, from the solemnity of "Lord, now lettest Thou" to the triumphant "Having beheld the Resurrection."

Recorded in the acoustically stunning Dome Church in Haapsalu, Estonia, this album benefits from a rich, immersive sound that brings out the full richness of the choir's voices and the depth of Rachmaninoff's composition. Whether you are a longtime admirer of Rachmaninoff's work or a newcomer to his music, this recording offers a profound and moving experience that highlights the enduring power of his musical vision.