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Rachmaninoff Vespers (All-Night Vigil, Op. 37)
NYCHORAL
David Hayes, Conductor
Few composers know how to use the human voice as a living, breathing instrument like Sergei Rachmaninoff. Experience the glory of Rachmaninoffs genius performed by the 150 voices of NYCHORAL on May 10, 2019 in the beautiful and acoustically sublime landmark St. Bartholomews Church on Manhattans Park Avenue.
Born in Russia in 1873, Rachmaninoff was the quintessential Russian Romantic composer and one of the great piano virtuosos of the 20th century. He is known for ingenious and dramatic compositions for piano and orchestra such as his monumental Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, op. 18 (1901); his Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini (1934); his choral masterpiece The Bells (1913), based on the poetry of Edgar Allen Poe; and his stunning, heartbreaking Vocalise op. 34 no. 14 (1915).
In 1915 Russia was in political turmoil, from both the Russian Revolution and the start of WWI the previous year. As a result, Rachmaninoff became introspective and turned to the liturgy and musical traditions of the Russian Orthodox Church. His All-Night Vigil (also known as his Vespers) is quiet, reflective and deeply moving. Written for a cappella chorus, it is a majestic work that elevates the spirit by its expressiveness and captivates the listener with its sheer beauty.
Rachmaninoff based ten of the fifteen sections on traditional Russian Orthodox chant. His compositional skills were in their prime and he sets the chant melodies with beautifully exquisite, ethereal harmonies, full of poignant richness and subtle emotion. His choral writing makes use of the rich sonorities and vocal colors that were used in the Russian choral school of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In Rachmaninoffs hands the voices combine to soar heavenward, depicting the epic grandeur of humanity's worshipful encounter with its Creator.
Tickets will be available for purchase at the door. Doors open at 7:30 PM.
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LocationSt. Bartholomew's Church (View)
Park Avenue and 51st Street
New York, NY 10022
United States
Categories
| Dog Friendly: No |
| Non-Smoking: Yes! |
| Wheelchair Accessible: Yes! |
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