SE03 EP10 – Sergei Rachmaninoff and the Sounds of Russian Orthodoxy – with Dr. Richard Fountain
Square Notes: The Sacred Music Podcast
We venture east in this episode for a look at Russian Orthodox music that impacted the life and compositions of Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873-1943). Dr. Richard Fountain, professor of piano at Wayland Baptist University and convert to Eastern Orthodoxy, shares with us some of his insights into Rachmaninoff's piano works and his compositions for the Divine Liturgy. Visit Dr. Fountain's webpage here: https://richardfountainpianist.com Performance credits: The Bells at St. Alexander Nevsky Russian Orthodox Cathedral in Howell, NJ, rung by hand. www.nevskys.com. View the complete video of Russian bell ringing here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbn_Fzcxw3o Sergei Rachamaninoff, Suite No. 1 in G Minor, Op. 5, IV. Pâques. Allegro maestoso, in G minor. (Easter): Dr. Richard Fountain, piano. Rachmaninoff, Symphonic Dances, Op. 45 (for two pianos): Dr. Richard Fountain and Dr. James Rauscher, pianos; live recording in Harral Auditorium, Wayland Baptist University, Plainview, TX on October 12, 2010. Liturgy: Rev. Fr. Peter A. DeFonce, celebrant; Rachmaninoff Community Chorus, Dr. Richard Fountain, director; live recording in Harral Auditorium, Wayland Baptist University, Plainview, TX on April 18, 2013
About Podcast
Welcome to Square Notes: The Sacred Music Podcast with your host Dr. Jennifer Donelson-Nowicka. We address topics of interest both to priests and liturgical musicians, as well as a general audience of Catholics interested in learning more about the Catholic Church's teachings and treasury of sacred music. Our topics range from discussion of Church documents on sacred music, to the music of certain composers or eras, Gregorian chant, the role of music in Catholic education, and techniques for directing a better choir rehearsal. We'll interview bishops, priests, music directors, composers, teachers, philosophers, and theologians. We'll talk to people who found a home in the Catholic Church because they heard the call of Christ in the Church's sacred music. We'll ask questions about how really great music programs are doing their work. We'll introduce you to Catholics who love their faith and, through sacred music, offer all their efforts for his glory and the sanctification of all who hear them.
We aim for our podcast to be thoughtful, encouraging, and informative. We hope, too, that it will inspire and motivate you to work for the renewal of authentic beauty in sacred music—whether you're a working church musician or an average Catholic in the pews wondering what's going on. With the prayers of our patronesses, Our Lady, Seat of Wisdom and Saint Elisabeth of the Trinity, we hope to help draw souls to Christ through the beauty of the Church's sacred music.
Square Notes is the official podcast of the Catholic Institute of Sacred Music. http://catholicinstituteofsacredmusic.org/