THE Farrant Singers will perform two works from the early 20th century on Saturday night at their autumn concert in St Martin’s Church, Salisbury.

Rachmaninov’s All-Night Vigil (1915) is commonly known as “Vespers”, although only six of the 15 movements actually draw their texts from the service of Vespers.

It has been described as the greatest musical achievement of the Russian Orthodox Church, and was one of the composer’s favourite works.

Rachmaninov uses chant styles from the Orthodox tradition which, together with rich, unaccompanied choral textures and low bass lines, give the piece a distinctive Russian flavour.

The All-Night Vigil is paired with Ildebrando Pizzetti’s Messa di Requiem of 1923. Though written only a few years after Rachmaninov’s piece, it has a much more 20th century feel. Its lush harmonies include quasi-plainsong lines, a Dies Irae and a triumphantly uplifting Sanctus in 12 parts.

The concert begins at 7.30pm and tickets cost £10 if bought in advance from farrantsingers.org or £13 at the door (£5 for under 16s/students).