Composer

:

Sergey Rachmaninov

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1906

Average_duration

:

2:18

"Let us rest, Op. 26/3" is a choral work composed by Sergey Rachmaninov in 1915. It was premiered in Moscow on December 10, 1915, by the Moscow Synodal Choir under the direction of Nikolai Danilin. The piece is part of a set of six choral works, collectively known as the "All-Night Vigil" or "Vespers," which Rachmaninov composed in 1915. The "All-Night Vigil" is a liturgical service in the Eastern Orthodox Church, and Rachmaninov's setting of it is considered one of the greatest achievements of Russian Orthodox choral music. "Let us rest" is the third movement of the "All-Night Vigil." It is a slow and contemplative piece, sung in Russian, and is based on a text from the Gospel of Matthew: "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." The music is characterized by Rachmaninov's use of rich harmonies and lush textures, which create a sense of peace and tranquility. The piece begins with a solo bass voice singing the opening phrase of the text, which is then taken up by the choir. The music builds gradually, with the choir singing in unison and then dividing into harmonies. The climax of the piece comes with the words "I will give you rest," which are sung by the full choir in a powerful and emotional crescendo. Overall, "Let us rest" is a beautiful and moving piece of choral music, which showcases Rachmaninov's skill as a composer and his deep understanding of the spiritual and emotional power of music.

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