38th Annual Student Research Conference
Echoes of the Divine: Resounding Russian Orthodox Chant in Sergei Rachmaninov’s All-Night Vigil
Irene E. Pehanich♦
Dr. Peng Liu, Faculty Mentor
Russian composer Sergei Rachmaninov’s choral work All-Night Vigil (1915) is often regarded as one of his most exceptional pieces and among the greatest a cappella compositions. Rooted in the traditions of the Eastern Orthodox Church service, the All-Night Vigil showcases both influences from traditional Orthodox chant and Rachmaninov’s own innovations. In this presentation, I will first contextualize Russian sacred choral music within Eastern Orthodox liturgical traditions. Then, I will explore Rachmaninov’s life, particularly the circumstances surrounding the creation of his All-Night Vigil. Finally, through an analysis of several notable movements (including movements 1, 5, 7, and 8), I will demonstrate Rachmaninov’s skillful juxtaposition of modern compositional techniques with ancient sacred chants.
Keywords: Sergei Rachmaninov, Russian Orthodox chant, All-Night Vigil, Sacred choral music
Topic(s):Music
Russian
Presentation Type: Oral Presentation
Session: 203-2
Location: SUB Alumni
Time: 10:30