Musicologists have time and again noted immediate connection of the greatest composer of the 20th century Sergei Rachmaninov with the Russian culture. This connection is made conditional on
not just the descent, but also personal preferences, Rachmaninov’s feeling of self.
“I am a Russian composer, and my motherland has left its mark on my disposition and views… My music is a fruit of my disposition, and that is why it is Russian music…” wrote the composer.
Loving church singing with all his heart, comparing it with folk music and considering them in the aggregate the primary sources of Russian music, Rachmaninov took up the composing of Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom with zest. The work was first performed by the Synodal Choir conducted by N. Danilin on 25 November, 1910. In his liturgy, Rachmaninov extensively used intonations
of popular vocal music and Znamenny (plain) chant continuing the traditions of his predecessors.Recorded at the Smolensk Cathedral of the Dormition in 1988.
