Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

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.