Rachmaninov’s All Night Vigil

Sergei Rachmaninov’s All Night Vigil (often called “Vespers”) , first performed in Moscow in 1915, is remarkably different from the late Romantic piano music for which he is generally known. These settings of the Russian Orthodox Vespers and morning service blend ancient Slavonic chants with richly expressive harmony.

In this concert, Rachmaninov’s a cappella masterpiece is juxtaposed to excerpts from J.S.Bach’s solo cello suites, played by Chris Howlett.