Rachmaninoff: All-Night Vigil, Op. 37
$59.98
Out of stock
Peter Jermihov, Conductor
Gloriæ Dei Cantores
Richard K. Pugsley, Director
joined by members of The St. Romanos Cappella, The Patriarch Tikhon Choir, The Washington Master Chorale
New Reference Recordings LP
This is a gorgeous production of this major choral work. It was recorded, edited and mastered by our own engineering team: Keith O. Johnson and Sean Royce Martin. Conducted by Peter Jermihov (internationally recognized specialist in Russian and Orthodox liturgical music), The Gloriæ Dei Cantores (directed by Richard K. Pugsley), is joined by members of the St. Romanos Cappella, The Patriarch Tikhon Choir, and The Washington Master Chorale. Soloists Dmitry Ivanchenko and Mariya Berezovska, of the National Opera of Ukraine in Kiev join the seventy-seven singers for this landmark collaboration. Vadim Gan, protodeacon under the First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church sings the clergy exclamations with Dmitry Ivanchenko.
Extra notes
45 RPM, half-speed mastered 2-LP set on 180-gram vinyl pressed at Quality Record Pressings. Deluxe gatefold jacket, with lyrics in English, Russian and Cyrillic along with photos on all four sides of the LP sleeves.
On This Recording
Sergei Rachmaninoff: All-Night Vigil, Op. 37
Side One
- Come, Let Us Worship (3:14)
- Bless the Lord, My Soul (5:38)
- Blessed is the Man (5:45)
- Gentle Light (3:44)
Side Two
- Now Lettest Thou (4:44)
- Rejoice, Virgin (3:07)
- The Lesser Doxology (2:56)
- Praise the Name of the Lord (2:47)
Side Three
- Blessed Art Thou, Lord (6:46)
- Having Beheld the Resurrection of Christ (3:21)
- My Soul Magnifies the Lord (10:24)
Side Four
- The Great Doxology (7:43)
- Troparion “Today Salvation Has Come” (2:34)
- Troparion “Thou Didst Rise from the Tomb” (4:32)
- To Thee, the Victorious Leader (2:39)
Reviews:
“This 2017 recording may seem like unlikely material to get the half-speed mastered, 45rpm, 180-gram virgin vinyl treatment, but LP partisans should be glad it did. Reference provides further evidence that Keith O. Johnson’s range as a recording professional knows no limits. … The choral sound has the low center-of-gravity that serves this repertoire well: seven of the 22 basses are officially “octavists” — they can sing a lowe E-flat at a fortissimo dynamic level. Appropriately, Prof. Jonson provides a sonic perspective favoring atmosphere over detail.” —Andrew Quint, The Absolute Sound
Original SACD and Digital Reviews
“…for this new recording has the essential sound of the Russian choirs, with their bass-centered sonority, and tempos which allow the music to unfold in the measured pace of a devotional service. Better yet, the text-based spiritual approach to the music…stirs at least as deeply as [the] …Russian recordings. While referring to the texts, you will have the pleasure of seeing the gorgeously illustrated booklet, with a background on each hymn and photographs of Russian churches, countryside and icons. The result is one of the very finest recordings this work has ever received.” —Fanfare
“…a landmark recording, one that is destined to become the new standard for this work. And if you don’t know the Rachmaninoff “All-Night Vigil “ yet, THIS is the recording you should get to begin your acquaintance. You will have to wait a long time before something better comes along!” —Musica Russica
“The present recording takes its place near the top of the list. The chorus here sings with impeccable intonation, a richly blended sound that never turns muddy… The recorded sound captures the space of the church realistically… retaining clarity of lines and voicing … found the listening experience thrilling … Very highly recommended.” —Fanfare
“This new version of the much-recorded work combines a superb conductor of Russian liturgical music with a choir that has toured Russia several times since its early days. The surround-sound …makes a stunning effect. The conductor’s note is the most detailed annotation that this work has ever been given for a recording. …this splendid performance in outstanding surround sound can be recommended to anyone who wants to acquire the work today. …a triumph.” —Fanfare
“Such a superlative performance requires an equally brilliant recording Listening to the 5.1 tracks … I was thrilled about their clarity, transparency and wide dynamics…The sheer beauty … is breathtaking, you feel surrounded by the glory of the chorus.” —HRAudio.net
“As I listened, I was again and again reminded of Sveshnikov’s benchmark recording [1965]. The musical virtuosity never overshadows the worship conveyed in the text, but rather augments it. The quality of the recording itself is luxuriant … a bass section that is virtually unmatched … I should add that the fifty-two page booklet that comes with the recording is delightful. To me Jermihov’s recording now stands alongside Sveshnikov’s as its equal.” —Oktavism.com “The combined choirs attain a sound that is rare outside of Russia, a rich bass-centered sonority. The choir’s blend and pitch are outstanding. …an authentic Russian sound … …it would be hard to beat the current recording. Recommended!” —Fanfare
Recording of the Month … “The sound produced by Jermihov’s choir is marvelous. Peter Jermihov and his distinguished combined choir offer a very fine performance indeed and the excellent sound…suits the performance very well indeed. This new disc is a splendid achievement and I’ve found listening to it an uplifting and rewarding experience.” —Music Web International
“Unearthly serenity and intensely devotional … deep exaltation that is unequaled in my experience … a strong candidate for my 2017 Want List.” —Fanfare
“For those who have never heard Rachmaninoff’s All-Night Vigil in an exemplary performance, this is a superlative recording of some of the most superlative music in the entire history of the art. It is beyond glorious.”
—The Buffalo News“We are invited to lift our spirits through a deeply inspired performance of Rachmaninoff’s All-Night Vigil. This performance rings with devotional majesty … The stunning surround sound comes to us through the combined efforts of Keith O. Johnson and Sean Royce Martin.” — Audiophile Audition
