Schnittke and Rachmaninov

Alfred Schnittke (1934-1998) Psalms of Repentance
Sergei Rachmaninov (1873-1943) Six choruses and Bogoroditse Devo, Slava v vïshnikh Bogu and Blagosloven esi, Gospodi (parts from Vespers op. 37)

Cappella Amsterdam
Nieuw Vocaal Amsterdam
Daniel Reuss conductor
Kimball Huigens piano

In the late summer of 2022, Cappella Amsterdam undertook a new CD recording: Psalms of Repentance (Stikhi Pokayanniye) by the polystylist Alfred Schnittke. Although the title suggests otherwise, these penitential psalms do not have a religious or liturgical focus. Of the twelve psalms, the first eleven are based on old Russian writings; the final one is a wordless, almost ethereal reflection on what has preceded.

It is intense choral music. The twelve Psalms of Repentance seem to cut sharply through the soul. This is fitting, as they are centered on the theme of penance. n this work, Schnittke chooses a sober setting where the text takes the spotlight. However, at the moments when the text turns toward God, this austerity gives way to a radiant warmth, as if the sun suddenly breaks through.

The concert opens with Six choirs by Rachmaninov, performed by the youth choir of Nieuw Vocaal Amsterdam. Nieuw Vocaal Amsterdam will take the stage with 45 young singers. The composer wrote the work for the Mariinsky girls’ school. Six choirs was composed for high voices and piano. In the performance by Nieuw Vocaal Amsterdam, these songs will sound exactly as the composer intended…

*also Verses of Repentance, but more often translated as Penitential Psalms.

Image: Cover Cappella Amsterdam – Psalms of Repentance