Rachmaninov: Liturgy of St John Chrysostom Recorded live, February 26 2005, in The Chapter House, York Minster The Ebor Singers Directed by Paul Gameson

£9.99 +P&P Cat No: CLOCD0305

There are several recordings of this and other Russian sacred works, some by Russian or Eastern choirs that naturally produce a more authentic sound, others by Western choirs. For us, this work represents a point of departure from our usual seventeenth-century repertoire, and was prompted by our enjoyment of performing Rachmaninov's All-Night Vigil and Tchaikovsky's own Liturgy in the generous acoustics of York Minster. By the time Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninov set the Liturgy, distinct functions had evolved for the Deacon and Choir, while the congregation's role was passive.

As it stands, Rachmaninov's Liturgy (1910 - five years before the All-Night Vigil ) is unsatisfactory as a concert piece (even though it was performed as one) and is not liturgically complete, and not all portions of the Liturgy are of equal musical importance: indeed, it is not clear how the work was first performed 'in concert'. In this performance, certain sections low in musical interest have been omitted (and, in some cases, replaced by other pieces by the composer) and chant (not included by Rachmaninov) has been introduced to provide liturgical context; works by other composers (Grechaninov, Tchaikovsky) reflect musical influences on Rachmaninov.

The programme notes of the concert, including text translations, can be downloaded below.

Recorded in 2005.