Search - Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, Hillier :: Rachmaninov: Vespers & Complete All-Night Vigil [Hybrid SACD]

Luminous and uplifting

Jim Rickman | Sudbury, MA USA | 11/09/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This offering by Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir is the most beautiful interpretation of Rachmaninoff's "All-Night Vigil" I have ever heard. Indeed, this work, also known as "Vespers", was one of Rachmaninoff's two favorite works, along with "The Bells", and it was the fifth movement of "All-Night Vigil" Rachmaninoff requested to have sung at his funeral. Up until I heard this recording, the version performed by Robert Shaw and his Festival Singers had been the one I always went back to when wanting to listen to this profound work by Rachmaninoff. This recording is more luminous, brighter, and flowing than is Shaw's interpretation. In addition, the soloists are noticeably in better voice. The Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir plumb the depths of "All-Night Vigil" and I highly recommend sending this recording as a gift to your Russian Orthodox and all music-loving friends. Rachmaninoff exploited the depths of the dark Russian basses, and in the fifth movement, you are treated to one of the most magnificent magical deep sounds in vocal music. I suggest finding a quiet time, lying back in a dark room, and allow the sounds of "All-Night Vigil" to fill the air -- I guarantee you will feel closer to the soul of our world."

One Word....Beautiful

Franco Quiros Ramirez | 02/27/2010

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The job performed by Paul Hiller is both stunning and excellent! The Estonian Phillarmonic Choir from my own perception is unique in this recording especially because it has within its basses Vladimir Miller whom I myself admire and does great job in the bass section but lets not forget the other voices, the alto soloist was wonderfull when I first heard it. Her control and sound was excellent and the tenor well he is good but I didn't like his solo as much as I liked the solo that Konstantin Ognevoy made in the Vespers recording of 1965 but but above all this he made a good job.

I have listen to most recordings of the All Night Vigil, the version under Alexander Sveshnikov with the State Russian Choir(1965), under Valery Polianski with Ministry of Culture Chamber Choir(1986, you can here a young but still resonant Yuri Wichniakov), Robert Shaw Festival Singers version and this one are by far my favorite recordings of this well speechless work.

If happen to buy this recording do not hesitate and share it. As the last reviewer said. Listen to it so you can be more close to soul of the world!"