Sergei Rachmaninow
O Theotokos Ever
Vigilant In Prayer for Organ & Brass Ensemble (8 Players)
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Sergei Rachmaninow
O Theotokos Ever
Vigilant In Prayer for Organ & Brass Ensemble (8 Players)
- Instrumentation 8 Brass Instruments and Organ
- Composer Sergei Rachmaninow
- Editor Graham Ashton
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Difficulty Level
- Edition Score and Parts
- Publisher Editions Marc Reift
- Order no. BIM96336
ships within 1-2 weeks
Description:
O Theotokos Ever-Vigilant in Prayer is an arrangement for organ and eight brass instruments by Graham Ashton, based on a sacred choral concerto by Sergei Rachmaninoff. The original, composed in 1893 for a cappella choir, is an early work that remained unpublished during the composer’s lifetime but already foreshadows his major sacred works—the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom and the Vespers. The text, drawn from the Orthodox liturgy, is the kontakion for the Dormition of the Mother of God: it praises her who watches tirelessly in prayer and intercession. Ashton translates this choral fervor into a soundscape of great sublimity. The organ and brass instruments respond to one another and blend together, carrying Rachmaninoff’s expansive, devotional melody with warmth and solemnity. Striking a balance between introspection and splendor, the arrangement preserves the full spiritual depth of the original—contemplative music that finds its natural place in a church service, a sacred concert, or a festive occasion.