Composer

:

Sergey Rachmaninov

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1891

Average_duration

:

2:45

"Twilight has fallen" is a choral work composed by Sergey Rachmaninov in 1912. It is also known as "Vecher" in Russian, and it is the second movement of his "All-Night Vigil" or "Vespers," Op. 37. The piece premiered on March 10, 1915, at the Great Hall of the Moscow Conservatory, conducted by Rachmaninov himself. The "All-Night Vigil" is a collection of 15 movements that are based on the Russian Orthodox Church's liturgy for the evening service. Rachmaninov composed the work in just two weeks, and it is considered one of his greatest achievements. "Twilight has fallen" is the most famous movement of the piece, and it is often performed as a standalone work. The piece is written for a mixed choir a cappella, and it is in the key of B-flat minor. The text is a Russian Orthodox hymn that praises the beauty of the evening and asks for God's protection during the night. The music is characterized by Rachmaninov's signature lush harmonies and rich textures. The piece begins with a solo bass voice singing the first line of the hymn, followed by the choir singing in unison. The music builds in intensity as the choir sings the second verse, with the harmonies becoming more complex and the dynamics increasing. The third verse features a soprano solo, which is followed by a section where the choir sings in a hushed, almost whispered tone. The piece ends with a final statement of the hymn's opening line, sung by the choir in unison. "Twilight has fallen" is a hauntingly beautiful piece of music that captures the essence of the Russian Orthodox Church's evening service. It is a testament to Rachmaninov's skill as a composer and his deep understanding of the Russian Orthodox tradition. The piece has become a staple of the choral repertoire and is beloved by audiences around the world.

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