Rachmaninoff's Vocalise, one of the most well-known of tunes for the voice, is here published in the original C sharp minor version (high voice), together with transpositions to B minor (medium) and G minor (low). A preface by Gordon Stewart (vocal coach at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, London) provides historical context and a guide to performance. / Choeur Mixte Et Piano

These fifteen numbers form what is called in Russian Combined Prayer Service or All Night Vigil consisting of the vesper and matin service linked together for the nights of vigil preceding the great holidays. I must not therefore be confused with the liturgy or the communion service for which Rachmaninov has also written a musical setting. A word of praise should be spoken for the English text provided by Canon Winfred Douglas. This indefatigable champion of the Russian school has labored lovingly over these translations and adaptations and has achieved a truly notable result.

An original and exciting collection of anthems and other choral pieces written for the Orthodox Church and inspired by the Church in Russia selected by Ralph Allwood. Partly because of the re-emergence of the Church in the former Soviet Union interest in Christian musical sources alternative to the great body of the Anglican and other Western Christian traditions has grown sharply in recent years. Though the works presented here may be unfamiliar they are all masterly. Designed to appeal to choirs of various levels the collection includes a Kontakion and Ikos for the funeral service anthems by Great Russian Romantics: Tchaikovsky Rachmaninov Grechaninov; andcomposers from our age: Stravinsky Schnittke or Arvo Part speaking for a tradition outside the Orthodox Church as well as settings of the Lord's Prayer in both Russian and English by John Tavener.