CD with music by MacMillan released
Wednesday 31 March 2010
Just in time for Easter the latest CD of the Netherlands Radio Choir and the Netherlands Radio Chamber Philharmonic has been released. For the Swedish label BIS they have recorded two works by James MacMillan. In this music MacMillan's Catholic faith and Scottish roots constantly shine through. The CD contains 'Visitatio Sepulchri' and 'Sun-Dogs'; the last one being set for a capella chorus.
‘Opera’
'Visitatio Sepulchri' for 7-part chorus and chamber orchestra had already been recorded in June 2008. This ‘religious opera’ was then conducted by the composer himself. The Latin text has been quoted straight from the Bible. It is the description of the visit to the by then empty grave of the crusified Jesus. Percussion has a prominent part in this somtimes vehement music, which occiasionally swings.Dogs
Chief conductor Celso Antunes conducted the choir last Summer in the recording of 'Sun-Dogs'. For this MacMillan used texts of Michael Symmons Roberts. He added some quotations from the Bible to the English text once more. They depict dogs running wild, symbolizing social outcasts.Dominicans
The piece has been dedicated to the order of Dominicans. Domini canes = dogs of the Lord, a medieval pun. Sun-dogs are mock suns which are sometimes visible in sky on the so-called halo around the sun.Variety
This complex and yet accessible work has been written most effectively for chorus. It demands various techniques from the singers. In the many layers next to 'ordinary' singing one can hear: whistling, humming, speaking en whispering. The result is a colourful and spiritual piece full of variety.Look also at the reviews and a report on Cultura 24.
James MacMillan: 'Visitatio sepulchri' and 'Sun-Dogs'
Netherlands Radio Choir and Netherlands Radio Chamber Philharmonic conducted by Celso Antunes and James MacMillan
BIS 1719, 1 SACD
