jmc's classics
This month is the anniversary of the Birth of Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873-1943). There are several spellings of his both first and last name. March 23 marks the anniversary of the premier of his Vespers (or All night Vigil) (Opus#37) The vespers or all night vigil is a service in the Orthodox Church. He is known for his symphonies and piano concertos and other piano works. He did write songs and a version of the Orthodox Liturgy (Opus#31). His most famous orchestra work in addition to his piano concertos is his Second Symphony (Opus#27). Which in the third movement themes from are featured in Carly Simon's song "Nobody does it Better" which is the theme song for the movie "The Spy who Loved Me" in the James bond franchise. This movie is from 1977.
The Vespers if in 15 movements or hymns from the vesper service. It was dedicated to Stepan Smolensky who was a choir director and expert on Ancient Russian chant. During that time WW l and the Russian Revolution were going on. many of his countrymen took solace in this piece. After the Revolution Russia then known as the Soviet Union was officially atheist. The piece was forgotten until 1965 when Alexander Sveshnikov and the USSR Academic Choir made a recording. It was then only available for export. During WW ll Restrictions on religion in The Soviet Union were eased. Stalin wanted a national hero on such was St. Alexander Nevsky. a 13th Century Russian prince who battled the Germans. This piece makes use of the bassso voice. Russian has had a long tradition of music featuring the basso voice and has produced many great baao opera singers such as Feodore Challiapin. This is bothe a concert piece and a church piece. There are many excellent recordings of it. The version that I have is with the Robert Shaw Festival singers on the Telark Label. I Njoy this piece and can be spiritually uplifting.
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