Rachmaninoff, Sergei Wassiljewitsch: Suite from All-Night Vigil (Vespers)

The All-Night Vigil (or Vespers) is a setting of music for a night-long service on the eves of Russian Orthodox holy days, and became one of Rachmaninoff's favorite compositions. Basing the 15 movements of his choral setting on a combination of traditional Russian Orthodox chants, Latin hymns, and original chants created by the composer, the work was completed in less than two weeks in 1915. This arrangement for wind band utilizes the 1st, 2nd, 7th, 10th, and 12th movements, along with the traditional “Amens” at the beginning of Movements 1 and 2. Unlike other settings of choral works for wind ensemble, this arrangement is constructed as a complete suite that is intended to allow the performers and audience to experience the power and beauty of the complete Vespers.