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

Sergei Rachmaninov (Composer), Seattle Pro Musica (Performer), Karen P. Thomas (Performer), Yelena Posrednikov (Performer), Stuart Lutzenhiser (Performer), Misha Myznikov (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Seattle Pro Musica, Karen P. Thomas, Yelena Posrednikov, Stuart Lutzenhiser, Misha Myznikov
• Composer: Sergei Rachmaninov
• Audio CD (November 10, 1998)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Seattle Pro Musica
• ASIN: B00000G4EM
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #448,995 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #18 in Music > Indie Music > Opera & Vocal

Editorial Reviews

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

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Just an average person, January 3, 2004

By 

Jeremy Ames (Connecticut) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Rachmaninoff: All-Night Vigil (Vespers) / Thomas, Seattle Pro Musica, et al (Audio CD)

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.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars a beautiful Vespers, December 22, 2005

By 

J. Anderson (Monterey, CA USA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Rachmaninoff: All-Night Vigil (Vespers) / Thomas, Seattle Pro Musica, et al (Audio CD)

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.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Remarkable, August 4, 1999

By 

[e-mail] (Seattle Washington) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Rachmaninoff: All-Night Vigil (Vespers) / Thomas, Seattle Pro Musica, et al (Audio CD)

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.