Rachmaninov: Liturgy Of St John Chrysostom

 

Price: £9.99

Cat No: CLOCD0305

The Ebor Singers
Directed by Paul Gameson

> Listen to Rachmaninov: Liturgy Of St John Chrysostom

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.

1

The Cherubic Hymn
Grechaninov

2:16

2

Now the powers of heaven
Tchaikovsky

3:41

3

Blessed are they
Tchaikovsky

2:00

The Liturgy of St John Chrysostom - Rachmaninov

4

Opening prayers and litany

4:48

5

Bless the Lord, O my soul

2:04

6

Glory be to the Father

2:38

7

In thy kingdom

5:41

8

Come, let us worship

2:32

9

O Lord, save... Holy God

2:26

10

The cherubic hymn

3:02

11

The creed

6:24

12

A mercy of peace

3:33

13

Holy, holy, holy

 

14

We hymn to thee

 

15

It is truly fitting

 

16

The Lord's prayer

 

17

Praise the Lord

 

18

We have seen the true light

 

19

Let our mouths be filled

 

20

Blessed be the name of the Lord

 

21

Hail Mary, Mother of God

 

Recorded live, February 26 2005, in The Chapter House, York Minster