Benjamin Tissell Reviews Rachmaninoff All-Night Vigil


A wonderful heartfelt review of our Rachmaninoff All-Night Vigil concert from artist Benjamin Tissell:

“…it was with great relish that I spent last Saturday night trying to finagle my way into a choir concert for the student price. The choir was Cappella Romana, one of the best around. The piece was Rachmaninoff’s “All Night Vigil” or “Vespers”, which is one I return to again and again. Eight rows back in the breathtaking St. Mary’s Cathedral, I sat alone. I was tired down to my bones and craving a slice of beauty, like we all do on our most run down days. And for once I was seeking it in the right place. … The “All Night Vigil” is not new to me. At least once a week it plays as the background music in my office. So I was surprised to find myself moved (deeply moved) from the first chord. It hit me in the chest, I felt stomach drop, and my breathing changed as the music washed over. I wept quietly. So did my neighbor and the man behind me. It has been a long time since I was so moved by music. A few minutes in, I closed my program, stopped following the translation, and shut my eyes. I spent the whole evening that way.” —Benjamin Tissell

Read the full piece on BenjaminTissell.com