Label: Challenge Classics
Format: CD
Barcode: 0608917254020
Catalog number: CC 72540
Releasedate: 15-06-12
Format: CD
Barcode: 0608917254020
Releasedate: 15-06-12
On this cd one of James MacMillan major works, percussion concerto Veni, Veni, Emmanuel (which has received more than 400 performances) has been recorded with the Netherlands Radio Chamber Philharmonic,of which MacMillan is the Principal Guest Conductor. Volume 1 in the MacMillan series!
- James MacMillan is one of today’s most successful living composers and is also internationally active as a conductor
- His musical language is flooded with influences from his Scottish heritage, Catholic faith, social conscience and close connection with Celtic folk music
- This is all blended with influences from Far Eastern, Scandinavian and Eastern European music
- One of his major works is percussion concerto Veni, Veni, Emmanuel, which has received more than 400 performances
- He held the position of Affiliate Composer of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra from 1990-2000
- He was Artistic Director of the Philharmonia Orchestra's Music of Today series from 1992-2002, and Composer/Conductor of the BBC Philharmonic from 2000-2009
- MacMillan continues his term as Principal Guest Conductor of the Netherlands Radio Kamer Filharmonie
- He has conducted orchestras such as the Baltimore Symphony, Rotterdam Philharmonic, Munich Philharmonic, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Toronto Symphony, Los Angeles Philharmonic etc.
- James MacMillan has been presented with the prestigious ABO Award at the Association of British Orchestras’ annual conference (2012)
- Volume 1 in the MacMillan series!
The music of James MacMillan may often be heard and understood on more than one level. As well as following the purely musical argument, the listener is often also following in parallel explorations of social and theological issues. This is very much the case with his remarkable percussion concerto Veni Emmanuel, written for Evelyn Glennie in 1992.
The work is cast in one movement, but subdivided into eight short sections, alternating in mood between expectancy and celebration, and its musical material is derived entirely from the 15th century French Advent hymn Veni, veni Emmanuel (“O come, o come, Emmanuel”). The full melody in fact appears only near the work’s conclusion, and the work might therefore be seen as a gradual “revelation” of the message of Advent, the awaiting of the coming of Christ. Liturgical connections are further manifest in the title of the first section, “Introit”, the presence of two “Sequences” (sections 4 and 6) and a “Chorale” (section 7).
James MacMillan has been presented with the prestigious ABO Award at the Association of British Orchestras’ annual conference (2012)! Each year this award is given to a person or organisation considered to have contributed greatly to orchestral life across the country. Previously recipients of the award, which dates back to 1990, include Sir Colin Davis, Sir Neville Marriner, Sir Charles Mackerras and Richard Hickox.
Volume 1 in the MacMillan series!
The work is cast in one movement, but subdivided into eight short sections, alternating in mood between expectancy and celebration, and its musical material is derived entirely from the 15th century French Advent hymn Veni, veni Emmanuel (“O come, o come, Emmanuel”). The full melody in fact appears only near the work’s conclusion, and the work might therefore be seen as a gradual “revelation” of the message of Advent, the awaiting of the coming of Christ. Liturgical connections are further manifest in the title of the first section, “Introit”, the presence of two “Sequences” (sections 4 and 6) and a “Chorale” (section 7).
James MacMillan has been presented with the prestigious ABO Award at the Association of British Orchestras’ annual conference (2012)! Each year this award is given to a person or organisation considered to have contributed greatly to orchestral life across the country. Previously recipients of the award, which dates back to 1990, include Sir Colin Davis, Sir Neville Marriner, Sir Charles Mackerras and Richard Hickox.
Volume 1 in the MacMillan series!