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.
