Program Notes

The word "vocalise" usually refers to vocal exercises meant to teach singing technique, similar to instrument etudes. In 1915, Rachmaninoff published a song with this name that has become one of his most well-known vocal works, this piece has no text but uses a single vowel of the singer's choosing. "Vocalise" mirrors this idea focusing on the vowel "a" but adds in humming and breath sounds. This piece is meant to leave any interpretation up to the performers, and could be understood as a lament, a siren song, or any other meaning that can be attributed to the limited poetic material.