Rachmaninoff “VESPERS”

Music of Bortniansky

November 8, 2024, 7:30 pm | Grace Cathedral

Vespers is made possible in part by a gift from Robert Ripps & Steven Spector.

VESPERS

Blaho yest' ispoviedatisia Hospodevi | Dmitry Bortniansky

Izhe Kheruvimi | Bortniansky

Priidite, vospoim, ljudie | Bortniansky

All-Night Vigil, Op. 37 | Sergei Rachmaninoff

Don Scott Carpenter, conductor

Friday, November 8, 2024, 7:30 pm

Grace Cathedral, San Francisco

80 minutes without intermission

Blaho yest’ ispoviedatisia Hospodevi - Bortniansky

Sacred Concerto No. 18

Ukrainian composer Dmitry Bortniansky’s Blaho yest’ ispoviedatisia Hospodevi (“It is Good to Give Thanks to the Lord”) is a serene and reverent piece of sacred choral music. As a leading composer of the Russian Orthodox tradition, Bortniansky’s work reflects the rich liturgical heritage of the church. This choral concerto, written in Church Slavonic, captures the essence of Psalm 92, which speaks of gratitude and praise for God’s steadfast love and faithfulness.

The composition is notable for its flowing melodies and harmonic simplicity, evoking a profound sense of peace and reflection. Bortniansky’s genius lies in his ability to blend Western European classical forms with traditional Russian Orthodox liturgical music, making his works accessible and deeply spiritual. Blaho yest’ is a beautiful example of his sacred output, showcasing his skill in vocal writing and devotion to creating music that uplifts the soul in worship.

Izhe Kheruvimi - Bortniansky

Cherubic Hymn No. 7

Dmitry Bortniansky’s Izhe Kheruvimi is a masterpiece of Eastern Orthodox sacred music and one of the most well-known settings of the Cherubic Hymn. His Cherubic Hymns, including No. 7, are some of his most revered works.

The Cherubic Hymn, a central part of the Orthodox Divine Liturgy, is sung during the Great Entrance, symbolizing the angels’ presence in the liturgy and the offering of the Eucharistic gifts. Bortniansky’s Cherubic Hymn No. 7 is notable for its serene, flowing melody and rich harmonic textures, which elevate the spiritual atmosphere of the service. Written for unaccompanied choir, the hymn showcases Bortniansky’s skill in creating profound emotional depth through simplicity and clarity.

The piece begins with a calm, meditative melody, gradually building in intensity as the choir sings the words “we who mystically represent the Cherubim.” Bortniansky’s use of dynamics and subtle harmonic shifts reflects the mystical and transcendent nature of the liturgy. The music is both introspective and majestic, capturing the essence of worship and the heavenly reality it seeks to represent.

Cherubic Hymn No. 7 remains a staple in Orthodox choral repertoire, not only for its liturgical significance but also for its artistic beauty. It exemplifies Bortniansky’s ability to blend his musical heritage with broader traditions, creating a work that is both spiritually profound and universally admired.

Priidite, vospoim, ljudie - Bortniansky

Sacred Concerto No. 15

Dmitry Bortniansky’s Priidite, vospoim, ljudie (“Come, Let Us Sing, O People”) is an exuberant and uplifting choral work, emblematic of his contributions to Russian Orthodox choral music. The piece invites the congregation to join in communal praise, setting the tone for celebration and worship. Bortniansky’s compositional style is evident in the way he intertwines flowing vocal lines with rich harmonies, creating a soundscape that is both majestic and accessible.

Rooted in the Orthodox liturgical tradition, the text of Priidite draws from the Psalms, encouraging the faithful to lift their voices in praise of God. Bortniansky’s ability to blend traditional Eastern Orthodox elements with Western European influences—particularly in terms of structure and polyphony—adds depth and sophistication to the work. The result is a choral piece that is both spiritually moving and musically engaging, emphasizing the joy of worship through its dynamic energy and vivid tonal contrasts.

All-Night Vigil, Op. 37 - Rachmaninoff

Vespers

Sergei Rachmaninoff’s All-Night Vigil, Op. 37, composed in 1915, is a cornerstone of choral music, often considered the pinnacle of Russian Orthodox liturgical composition. The work, structured in 15 movements, is a setting of the traditional texts from the Orthodox All-Night Vigil service, including Vespers, Matins, and the First Hour. Rachmaninoff’s All-Night Vigil stands out not only for its spiritual depth but also for its sophisticated harmonic language and its synthesis of ancient chant with modern compositional techniques.

One of the most striking aspects of Rachmaninoff’s harmonic language in the All-Night Vigil is his use of modal harmony, which reflects the work’s liturgical roots. Rachmaninoff draws on the traditional znamenny chant, an ancient form of Russian Orthodox chant, incorporating it into a rich harmonic palette that extends beyond the confines of strict modalism. The composer employs expansive and lush harmonic progressions, often using unexpected modulations that enhance the emotional and spiritual atmosphere of the work.

Rachmaninoff’s harmonies are characterized by their density and complexity, yet they remain grounded in the liturgical context. He frequently uses parallel fifths and octaves, creating a resonant and ancient sound that evokes the spiritual solemnity of the Orthodox Church. Additionally, Rachmaninoff’s treatment of the bass voices is particularly noteworthy; the All-Night Vigil famously requires a deep bass range, extending to a low B♭ in the “Nyne otpushchayeshi” (Nunc Dimittis). This emphasis on the bass register adds a profound depth to the overall texture, contributing to the work’s monumental and reverent character.

The All-Night Vigil also features moments of striking polyphony, where Rachmaninoff layers voices to create intricate textures that are both complex and luminous. The interplay of homophonic and polyphonic sections throughout the piece reflects Rachmaninoff’s mastery of choral writing and his ability to evoke a wide range of emotions—from meditative introspection to exalted praise.

Rachmaninoff’s All-Night Vigil remains a towering achievement in choral music, admired for its harmonic innovation, technical demands, and its profound spiritual resonance. Its ability to marry the ancient traditions of Russian liturgical music with Rachmaninoff’s unique harmonic language has ensured its place as a timeless and universally revered masterpiece.

SOPRANOS

Kelly Ballou

Yuhi Aizawa Combatti

Rhiannon Guevin

Becky Lau

Nataliia Ter Agapova

ALTOS

Adore Alexander

Sam Faustine

Peter Kenton

Sally Mouson

Blythe Tai

Kyle Tingzon

TENORS

Elliott James-Ginn Encarnación

Sam Faustine

John Mansfield

Emilio Peña

Ryan Peterson

Tim Silva

BASSES

Eric Alatore

Daniel Brakefield

Sepp Hammer

Clayton Moser

Joe Valkevich

Corby York