Rachmaninoff, S. - Nunc Dimittis, Op. 37, No. 5 (String Quartet)

The piece you are viewing is Sergei Rachmaninoff's "Nunc Dimittis" (Op. 37, No. 5), arranged here for String Quartet.  

Originally composed in 1915 as part of his monumental All-Night Vigil (Vespers), the "Nunc Dimittis" (or "Song of Simeon") is based on the biblical text from Luke 2:29–32 ("Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace"). This movement was famously one of Rachmaninoff's absolute favorite compositions, and he requested it to be sung at his own funeral.  

Musically, it is celebrated for its incredibly static, peaceful, and comforting quality. It incorporates a traditional Ukrainian Kievan chant melody and features a gentle, slow rocking motion—often described as a sacred lullaby—with characteristic two-note descending figures. In its original choral form, it is notorious for its ending, where the low basses sing a descending scale down to a rare basso profondo low $B♭$. In this specific string arrangement, the serene vocal melody is carried beautifully by the viola.  

Pedagogical Information

This arrangement serves as an excellent instructional tool for student and intermediate ensembles (Level 3 / Intermediate). Key pedagogical applications include:  

• Expressive Phrasing and Legato Control: Because the arrangement is modeled after a cappella choral music, players must focus heavily on a continuous, vocal-like legato. Executing the gentle, two-note descending "rocking" motif requires precise bow control to emphasize the first note slightly and taper the second without breaking the line.

• Intonation and Restrained Dynamics: The piece features close, rich harmonies that move at a slow tempo. This challenges students to listen actively across the ensemble to balance tight chord structures. Maintaining pitch security while playing softly (piano to pianissimo) requires deep control over bow speed and placement.  

   

• Ensemble Balancing (Viola Spotlight): In chamber music, the violin or cello frequently takes the melodic lead. This arrangement uniquely spotlights the viola with the primary melody. It teaches the violins and cello how to scale back their dynamics and blend into a supportive accompaniment role while allowing the viola's rich middle register to sing clearly.  

   

• Sustained Breath and Endurance: Mimicking the pacing of liturgical chants requires patience and long, drawn-out phrasing. It teaches young string players how to budget their bows across slow measures to prevent unwanted breaks or accents in the musical lines.