Sergei Rachmaninoff's "Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31" is a captivating exploration of one of the composer's lesser-known but equally profound sacred works. This album, released on February 4, 2022, under the BIS label, offers a selection of excerpts from Rachmaninoff's a cappella choral masterpiece, originally composed in 1910. The performance features the esteemed Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, conducted by Kaspars Putniņš, who bring a rich and resonant depth to the intricate harmonies and soaring melodies of Rachmaninoff's composition.
The album spans 59 minutes, encompassing 20 tracks that capture the essence of the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom. From the solemn opening of "The Great Litany" to the triumphant finale of "Many Years," each track is a testament to Rachmaninoff's mastery of choral writing. The choir's precise and expressive delivery, coupled with the conductor's nuanced interpretation, highlights the spiritual and musical richness of this liturgical setting.
Rachmaninoff's "Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom" was first performed in concert in 1920 and was met with immediate acclaim. This recording, with its impeccable production and stellar performances, offers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty and complexity of Rachmaninoff's sacred music. Whether you are a seasoned classical enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to resonate with its timeless appeal and profound spiritual depth.
2022 BIS2022 BIS
Tracks
Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31 (Excerpts): No. 1, The Great LitanySergei Rachmaninoff, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, Kaspars Putniņš, Raul Mikson, Olari Viikholm
Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31 (Excerpts): No. 2, Bless the Lord, O My SoulSergei Rachmaninoff, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, Kaspars Putniņš
Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31 (Excerpts): No. 3, Glory to the Father - Only-Begotten SonSergei Rachmaninoff, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, Kaspars Putniņš
Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31 (Excerpts): No. 4, In Thy KingdomSergei Rachmaninoff, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, Kaspars Putniņš
Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31 (Excerpts): No. 5, Come, Let Us WorshipSergei Rachmaninoff, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, Kaspars Putniņš, Olari Viikholm
Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31 (Excerpts): No. 6, O Lord, Save the Pious - Holy GodSergei Rachmaninoff, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, Kaspars Putniņš, Olari Viikholm
Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31 (Excerpts): No. 7, The Augmented LitanySergei Rachmaninoff, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, Kaspars Putniņš, Raul Mikson, Olari Viikholm
Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31 (Excerpts): No. 8, The Cherubic HymnSergei Rachmaninoff, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, Kaspars Putniņš
Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31 (Excerpts): No. 9, The Litany of SupplicationSergei Rachmaninoff, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, Kaspars Putniņš, Olari Viikholm
Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31 (Excerpts): No. 10, The CreedSergei Rachmaninoff, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, Kaspars Putniņš, Olari Viikholm
Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31 (Excerpts): No. 11, The Eucharistic PrayerSergei Rachmaninoff, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, Kaspars Putniņš, Raul Mikson, Olari Viikholm
Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31 (Excerpts): No. 12, We Hymn TheeSergei Rachmaninoff, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, Kaspars Putniņš, Maria Valdmaa, Raul Mikson
Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31 (Excerpts): No. 13, Hymn to the Mother of GodSergei Rachmaninoff, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, Kaspars Putniņš, Raul Mikson
Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31 (Excerpts): No. 14, The Lord's PrayerSergei Rachmaninoff, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, Kaspars Putniņš, Raul Mikson
Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31 (Excerpts): No. 16, Praise the Lord from the HeavensSergei Rachmaninoff, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, Kaspars Putniņš
Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31 (Excerpts): No. 17, Blessed Is He - We Have Seen the True LightSergei Rachmaninoff, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, Kaspars Putniņš, Raul Mikson
Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31 (Excerpts): No. 18, Let Our Mouths Be FilledSergei Rachmaninoff, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, Kaspars Putniņš
Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31 (Excerpts): No. 19, Blessed Be the Name of the Lord - No. 20, Many YearsSergei Rachmaninoff, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, Kaspars Putniņš
Sergei Rachmaninoff, born in 1873 in Semyonovo, Russia, was a titan of the Romantic era, renowned for his virtuoso pianism and profound compositions. A child prodigy, Rachmaninoff's musical journey began under the tutelage of his mother and later at the prestigious Moscow Conservatory. His works, characterized by lush harmonies, intricate textures, and deeply expressive melodies, have left an indelible mark on the classical music landscape. As a pianist, he was celebrated for his technical brilliance and emotional depth, while his compositions, such as the Piano Concerto No. 2 and Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, continue to captivate audiences worldwide. Rachmaninoff's legacy endures as one of the last great Romantic composers, his music a testament to his unparalleled artistry and enduring genius.
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Sergei Rachmaninoff
