Vocal Subscription Series 2

Slovenian Chamber Choir
conductor Steffen Schreyer

S. Rahmaninov: Vespers (Vsenočneje bdenje), Op. 37
B. Britten: A. M. D. G. - Ad majorem Dei gloriam
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Rachmaninoff’s "Vespers" (also known as “All-Night Vigil ”) is one of the most important works of Russian church music and also one of the first works of art of this kind of music. The Vigil is performed in the same measure in church rituals and in concert halls. The treatment of choral voices is therefore of unique importance, as Rachmaninoff had to realise his distinctively sensual sonic conception completely without instruments.
In contrast to Rachmaninoff, Britten’s emphasis is on the vocal sphere. His choral movement comes to life due to the individual melodies and the sensitive handling of the musical setting of the text. Britten is one of the few composers who excel in creating majestic music with only four choral voices, without a sense of there being anything missing.