Search - Sergey Rachmaninov, St. Petersburg Chamber Choir :: Rachmaninov: Vespers

Unquestionably the best of all

127 | Michigan | 09/08/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"There have been numerous recordings made of this work, but THIS one stands out over the others. I previously enjoyed Robert Shaw's recording, but after hearing this, there was no longer a need to even open the Shaw CD's case. The intonation and vocal blend in this ensemble are seemless and perfect. The soloists are beautiful and yet still part of the ensemble. Russian Orthodox music, after all, has a purpose: to be used in a service. Services are not known for operatic soloists (e.g. Shaw and Robev), no matter how talented the soloist might be. Some Russian composers did turn Orthodox music into more of a concert appropriate affair, but this piece is a case where either scenario, secular or sacred, is possible. Furthermore, this recording includes additional liturgical chant, so the listener gets even more of a sense of this as a true church performance.Finally, no performance of Russian choral music, and especially Rachmaninoff's Vespers, is complete without several strong low basses. Shaw simply doesn't have them, no matter how much one's steereo is able to augment the CD. Chernushenko has them and they are awe-inspiring. From the chant that opens the CD to the famous descending scale at the end of the fifth segment, these basses are a treasure to hear and should be the envy of any other choral ensemble.If I were to be limited to one CD recording to listen to from now on, this might very well be it. Rachmaninoff's Vespers are a gift to the world, and this CD allows the world to enjoy them in their full majesty. Make sure to add this to your library."

A religious experience unlike any other!

127 | 08/07/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Much Russian liturgical music was, historically, corrupted by the Western influences brought in by the likes of Peter the Great and Catherine the Great. The tradition of ancient Russian liturgical chant, such as Znamen and Kievan, was consequently almost lost altogether. Rachmaninov was one of the few composers to explore the history of true Russian chant, and to incorporate it into his Vespers. The result is a work with the true soul of Russia written into every note.I first heard this piece in the Robert Shaw recording, shortly after becoming aware of my own Russian heritage. At the time, I didn't know whether it was Rachmaninov or Vaughan Williams! Then I heard this recording. Due to the stylistic differences of English and Russian choirs, there is no doubt that THIS is Russian music, and Russian music at its best. The singers have a fire and passion that would be out of place in English music, but is totally suited to the fervor of the Russian soul. Listening to this recording has become, for me, a truly religious experience, that eventually led to my adopting the Russian Orthodox faith."

A heavenly message

J. Enders | Darmstadt | 01/21/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Not very many people know that Rachmaninov, besides his career as a pianist and a composer of symphonic music, was also perhaps _the_ outstanding inspiration for Russian Orthodox sacred music. The most famous works are of course the Easter Vespers (great evening and morning laud) op. 37 presented here, and the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, op. 31.The very special in these settings is that Rachmaninov writes choral music in graet complexity with rich harmonic structures, thereby always keeping touch with the "folk" type original unison choral tunes (taken from the liturgic tradition or being original compositions). The St. Petersburg Cappella is outstanding in the performance of this recording, combining the skills of an technically well-trained choir (just listen at the dynamical range in the fourth piece) with something that makes the music still sound "natural". In addition, the sung invocations at the beginning of some of the pieces represent an impressive introduction and raise the performance from "concert" to the "liturgy" feeling.Don't miss this!"