Download
part of track
The piece consists of fifteen chants. Ten
are based on the znamenny chant, and five (No. 1, 3, 6, 10, 11) on Rachmaninov’s own themes. Throughout the
work the composer never deviates from the stylistics of old Russian singing
tradition, accentuating the parts linked with folklore. Lyricism,
epos, drama, elements of philosophical meditation, and vivid imagery are
closely interwoven in this cycle.
The USSR Ministry of Culture Chamber Choir directed
by Valery Polyansky is an experienced, mature ensemble. Founded as
a student’s ensemble at the Moscow Conservatory in 1971, the Chamber Choir
acquired high professional skill, fame and authority. In 1975 the
Choir won First Prize at the Polyphonic Choir Competition in Arezzo (Italy)
and conductor V. Polyansky was voted the best conductor of the competition
and was highly praised by the public and critics.
Total time – 66:32
Irina Arkhipova, mezzo-soprano (2)
S. Rachmaninov wrote "Vespers" in 1915. It is a work of large
scope. "Vespers" maintains origins in traditional church
music, bears the mark of the composer's unbounded imagination and is imbued
with the poetry of antiquity and the enchantment of Russian folk art.
S. Rachmaninov
(1873 - 1943)
Vespers
Mass for Mixed Choir, Op. 37
Victor Rumyantsev, tenor (4, 5, 9)
The USSR Ministry of Culture Chamber Choir
Conductor Valery Polyansky
Recorded in Smolensk Cathedral