It may seem hard to believe, but Sergey Rachmaninov's All-Night Vigil, also known inaccurately as the Vespers (it is an a cappella setting of several texts from the Russian Orthodox All-Night Vigil, a ceremonial event combining not only the Vespers but other canonical hours), was not recorded until 1965, half a century after its composition. Until the late 1980s non-Russian recordings were rare, while those made in Russia had to contend with official disapproval from the religion-leery Soviet state. Since then, both Russian ...
Read More
It may seem hard to believe, but Sergey Rachmaninov's All-Night Vigil, also known inaccurately as the Vespers (it is an a cappella setting of several texts from the Russian Orthodox All-Night Vigil, a ceremonial event combining not only the Vespers but other canonical hours), was not recorded until 1965, half a century after its composition. Until the late 1980s non-Russian recordings were rare, while those made in Russia had to contend with official disapproval from the religion-leery Soviet state. Since then, both Russian and Western recordings have come fast and furious. Interpretations are as varied as for any major work of the 20th century, with everything from magnificently rumbling but tonally insecure Russian singers to precise but pale Western cathedral choirs taking on the work. Obviously individual taste is a contributing factor, but this release by the small Latvian Radio Choir under Sigvards Klava may make a good compromise candidate. This is a virtuoso group, and they have the sheer power...
Read Less