Rachmaninov festival - Latvian Radio Choir
Sergei Rachmaninov, All-Night Vigil (Vespers), Op. 37
Pēteris Vasks, Our Mother’s Names
Ēriks Ešenvalds, A Drop in the Ocean
Besides writing works for piano and orchestra, Rachmaninov also excelled in composing a cappella choral music. His Vespers are known as the greatest musical achievement of Russian Orthodox church music and stand comparison with Roman Catholic counterparts such as Bach's Hohe Messe and Beethoven's Missa Solemnis. Composed two years before the outbreak of the Russian Revolution (after which liturgical music was banned), Rachmaninov's Vespers also symbolise the end of an era.
Important feasts of the Russian Orthodox Church were preceded by an overnight vigil. Vespers were prayed in the evening, and metts in the early morning. It is these prayers that Rachmaninov set to music. The first six chants (based on vespers texts) call for penance and reflection. The following nine chants (based on metten texts) form a jubilant celebration of the resurrection. Inky grave voices and ethereal sopranos balance each other: consolation and stillness is the result.
The world-famous Latvian Radio Choir led by the equally legendary conductor Sigvards Klava also performs choral works by Latvian contemporary composers Pēteris Vasks (b. 1946) and Ēriks Ešenvalds (b. 1977). The latter's work includes A Drop in the Ocean, an a cappella song based on a quote by Mother Theresa: "All my work is just a drop in the ocean".
Sigvards Kļava, conductor
Latvian Radio Choir, vocal ensemble
