Sergey Rachmaninov: All-Night Vigil (2015)
Phoenix Chorale & Kansas City Chorale, conducted by Charles Bruffy
EAC | FLAC | Image (Cue&Log) ~ 293 Mb | Mp3 (CBR320) ~ 175 Mb | Artwork included
Genre: Classical, Choral | Label: Chandos | # CHSA 5148 | Time: 01:15:33
Phoenix Chorale & Kansas City Chorale, conducted by Charles Bruffy
EAC | FLAC | Image (Cue&Log) ~ 293 Mb | Mp3 (CBR320) ~ 175 Mb | Artwork included
Genre: Classical, Choral | Label: Chandos | # CHSA 5148 | Time: 01:15:33
Sergey Rachmaninov's All-Night Vigil, also known as the Vespers, is among his most admired works, and it was one of the composer's own favorites, along with The Bells. This 2015 Chandos release by Charles Bruffy and the combined voices of the Phoenix Chorale and the Kansas City Chorale presents the music in the super audio format, so the richness of the divisi choral parts and the depth of the basso profundo come across fully in the multichannel reproduction. Bruffy is the musical director of both groups, so his special rapport with them creates an even ensemble blend that balances the largely homophonic textures, and brings a consistency of approach to the three styles of chant Rachmaninov imitated, Kievan, Greek, and Znamenny. The beauty of the a cappella voices and the surprisingly lush harmonies make this setting immediately appealing and ultimately moving, and listeners who enjoy sacred choral music for inspiration or meditation will find the All-Night Vigil's smooth flow and expressive warmth well-suited to those purposes.