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Saturday Extra: Music for the Feast of the Presentation



Today is the Feast of Jesus' Presentation in the Temple, also known as the Purification of Mary, and also Candlemas.

Here are some images of the presentation with "background music" by Sergei Rachmaninoff - the Nunc dimittis (Song of Simeon) from his Vespers (Opus 37). This recording is by the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir directed by Paul Hillier.


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Bill Bynum said…
Very nice Nunc Dimittis by Rachmaninoff. The Russian Orthodox influence shows up at the end of the piece when those rich bass voices head down to the musical basement. I've heard the entire Rachmaninoff Vespers twice, but hearing all 15 chants, one after the other, is hypnotically overwhelming (but maybe that's the point, I don't know). Anyway, I find it a lot more interesting to hear just one of the sections at a time, as in this clip.
February 2, 2013 at 5:47 PM
Penelopepiscopal said…
Indeed, the bass is the lowest of the low. I agree with you that it's easier to appreciate the Vespers one piece at a time. But it is a wonderful, and unusual for Rachmaninoff, work. Glad you enjoyed it.
February 2, 2013 at 6:11 PM
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