Orthodox Sacred Music Reference Library
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Nikolsky, Alexander
NIKOLSKY, Alexander Vasil’yevich—b. 22 June 1874, village of Vladykino, Penza Region, d. 19 March 1943, Moscow. The son of a priest, sang in church choirs from childhood; 1897-1900, studied at the Moscow Conservatory (composition, conducting); from 1894 until his death was active as a teacher of choral music, music theory, counterpoint, and musical ethnography in a number of educational institutions in Moscow, including the Moscow Synodal School of Church Singing (1915-1923), and the Moscow Conservatory (from 1928). Also active as a musical publicist, author of numerous articles on choral and church music. As a composer, Nikolsky is a representative of the ”New Russian Choral School,” which was centered around the Moscow Synodal School and its Choir in the first two decades of the twentieth century. Among his most important works are the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, op. 23, Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, op. 31, Major Hymns of the All-Night Vigil, op. 26, Hymns of Passion Week, op. 35, Hymns of Pascha (Easter), op. 37, and the Wedding Service, op. 41. Also prominent are a number of sacred concertos drawn from various psalms. Approximately forty percent of Nikolsky’s sacred choral works are based on chant. His free compositions also make extensive use of chant-like motives. Although he taught counterpoint and fugue (and was a student of the great Russian contrapuntist Sergei Taneyev), Nikolsky’s works tend to favor homorhythmic over contrapuntal writing, often employing colorful harmonic combinations.
133 results found
Blagoslovi, dushe moia, Gospoda
Bless the Lord, O my soul
Op. 17, No. 1
Introductory Psalm
Ps. 103[104]:1,3,5,19-20,22,24
S(div)A(div)T(div)B(div)
PJu #32383 n.d.
First printed edition
7
Ni011
Blessed are they whom Thou hast chosen
Op. 45, No. 5
Communion Hymn for the Departed
Ps. 64[65]:5; 101[102]:13
SAT(div)B
PJu #37982 n.d.
First printed edition
4
Ni097
Let God arise
Оp. 24, No. 2
Znamenny Chant
S(div)A(div)T(div)B(div)
PJu #32398
First printed edition
15
Ni030
How long, O Lord
Op. 24, No. 1
Sacred concerto
Ps. 12[13]
S(div)A(div)T(div)B(div)
PJu #32396 n.d.
First printed edition
9
Ni029
The Lord reigns
Op. 45, No. 7
Sacred concerto
Ps. 96[97]:1-6,12
S(div)A(div)T(div)B(div)
PJu #37986 n.d.
First printed edition
9
Ni099
-
MR Ni099
O Lord, our Lord
Op. 33, No. 1
Sacred concerto
Ps. 8
S(div)AT(div)B(div)
PJu #34249 n.d.
First printed edition
6
Ni056
-
MR Ni056
Lord, have mercy upon us
Op. 33, No. 3
Sacred concerto
Troparion from Daily evening prayers
SAT(div)B(div)
PJu #34251 n.d.
First printed edition
3
Ni058
The earth is the Lord's
Op. 19, No. 3
Sacred concerto for the blessing of a church
Ps. 23[24]
S(div)A(div)T(div)B(div)
Unknown for this source [PJu #32394 n.d.]
Lithograph from first printed edition
8
Ni016
My heart is steadfast, O God
Op. 19, No. 1
Sacred concerto
Ps. 107[108]:1-5
S(div)AT(div)B(div)
PJu #32390 n.d.
First printed edition
6
Ni014
How can we not wonder
Op. 48, No. 2
Znamenny Chant
Theotokion- Dogmatikon, T. 3
S(div)A(div)T(div)B(div) and Alto Solo
PJu #38666 n.d.
First printed edition
10
Ni121