Album insights
Orthodox Liturgy Note
The orthodox church refers to the eucharistic worship service as the "Liturgy," equivalent to the Western world's concept of "Mass.” In the early church, various liturgies existed, but today only four are used in the Eastern church: The Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom (common on Sundays and weekdays), the Liturgy of St. Basil the Great (used ten times a year), the Liturgy of St. James the Brother of Christ (observed on October 23 in a few locations globally), and the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts (used during Lent on Wednesdays and Fridays, and the first three days of Holy Week). These liturgies are sung and share structural similarities with the Western Mass. A typical Sunday Liturgy lasts between one and a half to two and a half hours, known for its length. Recordings often focus on choir sections, omitting parts of the priest's or deacon's prayers. Notably, Rachmaninov's composition follows this tradition.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Russian church musicians aimed to purify sacred music from foreign influences and return to a style inspired by traditional Russian church chants. The Moscow Synodal School played a crucial role in this movement, with composers like Chesnokov and Kastalsky contributing to the revival of Russian church music. Although Rachmaninov's "All-Night Vigil" of 1915 is a pinnacle of this revival, his Liturgy composed five years earlier holds its own significance. Kastalsky played a role in advising Rachmaninov during the composition process, influencing the melodic and harmonic style of the work. Rachmaninov's Liturgy, premiered in 1910, received critical acclaim despite initial objections due to its modernistic nature.
Rachmaninov, who loathed his 1909 American concert tour, focused on composing works like the Liturgy and various piano pieces at his uncle's estate in Iwanovka. The Liturgy premiered in 1910 to high acclaim, with Rachmaninov expressing his joy at its completion. Despite criticisms by Kastalsky and church authorities, Rachmaninov's work integrated simple church melodies innovatively. The Liturgy echoes archaic church chants musically, featuring rich orchestration and a sense of liturgical reverence. Rachmaninov's profound connection to Russian Orthodoxy is evident in the composition, showcasing his mastery over a distinct musical style. Through its enduring legacy, Rachmaninov's Liturgy continues to captivate audiences worldwide.