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The Music Room => Composer Discussion => Topic started by: Maciek on February 06, 2009, 08:48:47 AM

Title: James MacMillan
Post by: Maciek on February 06, 2009, 08:48:47 AM
Following Colin's hint on WAYLT...

I love the few MacMillan pieces I've heard (Cello Sonata, for example). And none of those are choral. :o ;D
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: bhodges on February 06, 2009, 01:25:51 PM
I've heard a number of works by MacMillan over the last say, 4-5 years, and have become a pretty big fan of his work.  Some of my favorite recordings (below) are A Scotch Bestiary, a wild concerto for organ and orchestra written to inaugurate the new pipe organ at Disney Concert Hall, and Epiclesis, his trumpet concerto. 

His choral pieces are very intense: parts of his Te Deum might actually frighten some listeners, with its huge organ outbursts.  And I also like his Magnificat and Nunc dimittis (on the CD with The Birds of Rhiannon, below), and his lovely setting of Robert Burns's The Gallant Weaver.

But if I were to point to a piece to start with, it might be his percussion concerto, Veni Veni Emmanuel, written for Evelyn Glennie.  Marvelous.

--Bruce
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: Dundonnell on February 06, 2009, 01:28:08 PM
 Oh...so soon ;D

I had intended to start a thread on MacMillan for some time but have been busy on another mammoth thread(to be unveiled very shortly!).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_MacMillan_(musician)

This article gives some idea of MacMillan's work for those who don't know, although I get the impression that it has spread at least as far as the USA now. MacMillan is a very important and vocal figure in Scottish musical life and a controversial figure too. He is a devout Roman Catholic and his faith underpins much of his writing. He is also not afraid to raise and confront what he perceives as the religious sectarianism which is still rife in parts of Scotland, particularly the West where he comes from. MacMillan- in common with a number of other Scottish artistic figures-is not afraid to condemn aspects of Scottish political and social 'culture' through both articles in the press and his compositions('A Scotch Bestiary' for organ and orchestra). He shares a compassion for the underdog and the oppressed with other Catholic Socialists.

MacMillan has been fortunate in attracting the attention of commissioning bodies and record companies; most of his major works are now available on CD(BIS and Chandos). Not all of MacMillan's compositions totally convince me but there is undoubtedly a passion behind MacMillan and an inventiveness which is increasingly impressing audiences. He can communicate in a way that few other contemporary composers can. Nor is he afraid to write on a massive scale with an obvious command of the resources of a full orchestra or a big choir(MacMillan is a fine conductor of his own music).There is often a fair measure of anger in the music and it is not always comfortable listening. There are passages in MacMillan which remind me of the great American Charles Ives.

The breakthrough works by MacMillan were 'The Confession of Isobel Gowdie'(a Catholic martyr during the Scottish Reformation) and the virtuoso percussion concerto 'Veni, veni, Emmanuel' but his big choral works-the recently recorded Oratorio "The Quickening"(Chandos) and "The St.John Passion"(LSO Live) are, in my opinion, his best works.

Those who are in any way repelled by the overt religiosity of MacMillan's compositions may still appreciate the quality of his music but will not-I venture to suggest-understand fully the force of his inspiration. I have collected most of his orchestral and choral compositions-partly (I suppose) because he is a Scottish composer of great substance but also because, although I am sometimes 'battered and bemused' by MacMillan, I admire and respect the blazing integrity of a relatively young modern composer who can write with such orchestral and choral colour and dramatic purpose and power.

Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: Dundonnell on February 06, 2009, 01:31:56 PM
Bruce...you posted while I was writing ;D

I do agree with you though :)

MacMillan's music is very 'intense' and-at times-'frightening' but never less than interesting :)
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: bhodges on February 06, 2009, 01:39:32 PM
Quote from: Dundonnell on February 06, 2009, 01:28:08 PM
I have collected most of his orchestral and choral compositions-partly (I suppose) because he is a Scottish composer of great substance but also because, although I am sometimes 'battered and bemused' by MacMillan, I admire and respect the blazing integrity of a relatively young modern composer who can write with such orchestral and choral colour and dramatic purpose and power.

Quote from: Dundonnell on February 06, 2009, 01:31:56 PM
Bruce...you posted while I was writing ;D

;D

Well, "great minds"...

Anyway, totally agree with your longer post, especially with the paragraph quoted above. 

--Bruce
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: Guido on February 06, 2009, 03:22:44 PM
I recently have purchased a Polyphony recording of Seven Last Words from the Cross which is just amazing - both the singers, who must be one of the finest choral groups in the world at the moment, and the piece which is by turns beautiful, exhilarating and almost overbearingly powerful. I should listen to the cello works again... they have not made a deep impression on me. The cello concerto was written for Rostropovich and I remember it being a very tough work.
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: Guido on February 06, 2009, 04:12:21 PM
I have uploaded just a short clip of the opening of Seven Last Words from the Cross:

http://www.mediafire.com/?sharekey=494a941558b164724012e8015643d9c84f2b75114c054b7a

Really wonderful stuff.
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: Dundonnell on February 06, 2009, 04:57:44 PM
Quote from: Guido on February 06, 2009, 04:12:21 PM
I have uploaded just a short clip of the opening of Seven Last Words from the Cross:

http://www.mediafire.com/?sharekey=494a941558b164724012e8015643d9c84f2b75114c054b7a

Really wonderful stuff.

Cheers for that :) One of the few pieces I don't have.......yet ;D
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: bhodges on February 24, 2009, 10:03:15 AM
Quote from: Guido on February 06, 2009, 03:22:44 PM
I recently have purchased a Polyphony recording of Seven Last Words from the Cross which is just amazing - both the singers, who must be one of the finest choral groups in the world at the moment, and the piece which is by turns beautiful, exhilarating and almost overbearingly powerful. I should listen to the cello works again... they have not made a deep impression on me. The cello concerto was written for Rostropovich and I remember it being a very tough work.

That is a superb recording, and I totally agree with you about the prowess of the singers, who are fantastic.  (Not to digress, but I have a number of their recordings, and they're all great.) 

While MacMillan is obviously fluent in many different genres, he does seem to have a special affinity for choral music (or maybe I just like what he's done here more). 

--Bruce 
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: jlaurson on February 24, 2009, 04:34:56 PM
MacMillan, every time I hear works of his, becomes dearer to my heart.

Some reviews/articles that make mention of him/his work.

http://www.forbes.com/2008/11/11/europe-noise-regulation-oped-cx_jfl_gap_1111laursonpieler.html (http://www.forbes.com/2008/11/11/europe-noise-regulation-oped-cx_jfl_gap_1111laursonpieler.html)

http://www.musicweb-international.com/SandH/2008/Jan-Jun08/munich1212.htm (http://www.musicweb-international.com/SandH/2008/Jan-Jun08/munich1212.htm)

http://ionarts.blogspot.com/2006/04/seven-difficult-impressive-words-from.html (http://ionarts.blogspot.com/2006/04/seven-difficult-impressive-words-from.html)

http://ionarts.blogspot.com/2008/01/hope-macmillan-and-munich-philharmonic.html (http://ionarts.blogspot.com/2008/01/hope-macmillan-and-munich-philharmonic.html)

http://ionarts.blogspot.com/2008/02/ionarts-at-large-ads-asyla-and-haydn.html (http://ionarts.blogspot.com/2008/02/ionarts-at-large-ads-asyla-and-haydn.html)



Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: bhodges on February 25, 2009, 06:21:32 AM
Quote from: jlaurson on February 24, 2009, 04:34:56 PM
http://ionarts.blogspot.com/2006/04/seven-difficult-impressive-words-from.html (http://ionarts.blogspot.com/2006/04/seven-difficult-impressive-words-from.html)

Will check out the rest of these links later, but I thoroughly enjoyed your piece on Seven Last Words.  I'm envious you got to hear it live.

--Bruce
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: Dundonnell on February 25, 2009, 07:00:48 AM
Just listening for the first time as I write to my newly acquired cd of 'The Birds of Rhiannon'(as recommended by you, Bruce).

I really liked the settings of the Magnificat and the Nunc Dimittis :) 'The Birds of Rhiannon' is a slightly more difficult work to assimilate but I too am increasingly convinced that Macmillan may well be at his best in choral compositions in which his passionate commitment has the additional medium of a text.
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: bhodges on February 25, 2009, 07:03:25 AM
Quote from: Dundonnell on February 25, 2009, 07:00:48 AM
Just listening for the first time as I write to my newly acquired cd of 'The Birds of Rhiannon'(as recommended by you, Bruce).

I really liked the settings of the Magnificat and the Nunc Dimittis :) 'The Birds of Rhiannon' is a slightly more difficult work to assimilate but I too am increasingly convinced that Macmillan may well be at his best in choral compositions in which is passionate commitment has the additional medium of a text.

Great!  I got that CD with The Birds of Rhiannon fairly recently as well, after hearing the Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis live, then wanting a recording.  Very powerful choral writing, for sure. 

--Bruce
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: Benji on March 05, 2009, 02:02:24 PM
Quote from: Dundonnell on February 06, 2009, 04:57:44 PM
Cheers for that :) One of the few pieces I don't have.......yet ;D

http://www.mdt.co.uk/MDTSite/product/NR_April09/8570719.htm (http://www.mdt.co.uk/MDTSite/product/NR_April09/8570719.htm)

(http://www.mdt.co.uk/public/pictures/products/standard/8570719.jpg)

GOOD NEWS! Credit-crunch friendly offering from Naxos.
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: monafam on July 30, 2009, 06:08:09 PM
I thought I'd revisit this as I brought up MacMillan in another thready.  I actually came across him when I was in a CD club probably 10+ years ago, and I got a recording of the "Veni, Veni..." concerto for percusion et al, and another with the "Seven Last Words..."  I wasn't ready back then.

Recently I've rediscovered MacMillan and find him much more to my liking.  I have purchased several more albums and wanted to know what others (I'll label you all the "Experts") thought of his SQs or other instrumental pieces?  I happen to really like them and wanted to hear other opinions.
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: Mirror Image on March 28, 2011, 05:57:59 PM
It seems that forum members of all stripes tend to overlook MacMillan's music for whatever reasons. I've bought many of his recordings and intend of making his music my own personal project. I'm going to listen every recording and try and absorb all of the music. I listened to several of his works via YouTube and Naxos Music Library and, indeed, as was mentioned earlier, the music is intense, but very passionate. Stay tuned for more updates.
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: snyprrr on March 28, 2011, 08:48:38 PM
Does he sound like Christopher Rouse?
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: Mirror Image on March 28, 2011, 09:32:14 PM
Quote from: snyprrr on March 28, 2011, 08:48:38 PM
Does he sound like Christopher Rouse?

I haven't listened to Rouse in quite some time, so I'm afraid I can't oblige you and answer your question. This said, MacMillan's music, from what I have read, is deeply influenced by his faith. He is a devout member of the Roman Catholic Church. Of the two works that I've heard (the very same works that sparked my interest in his music), Sinfonietta and The Confession of Isobel Gowdie, I will tell you that the music can be passionately rambunctious with dissonant brass fanfares and grinding strings, but his music can also be lyrically moving, which these two extremes often exist together. I, of course, being a new listener to his music will have to bow out of this thread for awhile until I have absorbed more of his music. I'm looking forward to hearing more of his music.
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: lescamil on March 28, 2011, 09:37:30 PM
Quote from: snyprrr on March 28, 2011, 08:48:38 PM
Does he sound like Christopher Rouse?

On the surface, yes, but deeper down, no. Rouse's music lacks that deeply spiritual element, whether it be obvious or not. Also, MacMillan's use of extremes (dynamics, timbre, etc) is a bit more refined to my ear, and he is more of a master of contrasts. I love Rouse, but sometimes Rouse doesn't exactly balance himself out.

For those looking at a starting point for MacMillan, I would suggest his work Seven Last Words from the Cross. It is THE work that combines all the elements of his style: from the sacred to the profane, from the very loud to the barely aubible, from the intensely beautiful to the most grating, and from the most lyrical to the most angular. Get this recording if you can find it (because of the coupling with Cantos Sagrados, a great, moving work guaranteed to make you cry). However, there is no shortage of great recordings of this piece.

[asin]B000003ELL[/asin]
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: Mirror Image on March 28, 2011, 09:50:41 PM
Quote from: lescamil on March 28, 2011, 09:37:30 PM
On the surface, yes, but deeper down, no. Rouse's music lacks that deeply spiritual element, whether it be obvious or not. Also, MacMillan's use of extremes (dynamics, timbre, etc) is a bit more refined to my ear, and he is more of a master of contrasts. I love Rouse, but sometimes Rouse doesn't exactly balance himself out.

For those looking at a starting point for MacMillan, I would suggest his work Seven Last Words from the Cross. It is THE work that combines all the elements of his style: from the sacred to the profane, from the very loud to the barely aubible, from the intensely beautiful to the most grating, and from the most lyrical to the most angular. Get this recording if you can find it (because of the coupling with Cantos Sagrados, a great, moving work guaranteed to make you cry). However, there is no shortage of great recordings of this piece.

[asin]B000003ELL[/asin]

This is one of the works I ordered. I bought the Hyperion recording:

[asin]B000A17GMY[/asin]

Also, I liked your description of his music. He is, from what I have heard so far, a first-rate orchestrator.
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: Grazioso on March 29, 2011, 05:41:14 AM
Iirc, there are one or two programs on MacMillan from BBC's Discovering Music series online.
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: snyprrr on March 29, 2011, 06:20:09 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on March 28, 2011, 09:32:14 PM
I haven't listened to Rouse in quite some time, so I'm afraid I can't oblige you and answer your question. This said, MacMillan's music, from what I have read, is deeply influenced by his faith. He is a devout member of the Roman Catholic Church. Of the two works that I've heard (the very same works that sparked my interest in his music), Sinfonietta and The Confession of Isobel Gowdie, I will tell you that the music can be passionately rambunctious with dissonant brass fanfares and grinding strings, but his music can also be lyrically moving, which these two extremes often exist together. I, of course, being a new listener to his music will have to bow out of this thread for awhile until I have absorbed more of his music. I'm looking forward to hearing more of his music.

You're not saying he 'sounds' Avant-Garde-Roman-Catholic, are you?? ??? How does a young Modern Composer 'sound' Roman Catholic, subject matter aside? Personally, from what I read above, he sounds as if his music 'sounds' more Socialist. ;D

Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: Mirror Image on March 29, 2011, 07:19:16 AM
Quote from: snyprrr on March 29, 2011, 06:20:09 AM
You're not saying he 'sounds' Avant-Garde-Roman-Catholic, are you?? ??? How does a young Modern Composer 'sound' Roman Catholic, subject matter aside? Personally, from what I read above, he sounds as if his music 'sounds' more Socialist. ;D

I'm saying that his music is influenced/inspired by his faith.
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: Mirror Image on March 29, 2011, 07:32:39 AM
Quote from: Grazioso on March 29, 2011, 05:41:14 AM
Iirc, there are one or two programs on MacMillan from BBC's Discovering Music series online.

Thanks, I'll check these out. Do you have a link perhaps to save me some time?
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: Grazioso on March 29, 2011, 09:43:26 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on March 29, 2011, 07:32:39 AM
Thanks, I'll check these out. Do you have a link perhaps to save me some time?

Unfortunately not.
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: Mirror Image on March 29, 2011, 09:48:07 AM
Quote from: Grazioso on March 29, 2011, 09:43:26 AM
Unfortunately not.

It's okay, I found them, but they won't playback for whatever reason. It's cool, I'll just continue to read about his music and his biography.
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: lescamil on March 29, 2011, 10:51:16 AM
Speaking of the BBC, there is a program on tonight that features his Three Interludes from the opera The Sacrifice and The Confession of Isobel Gowdie. The latter piece is definitely one of his best works. The Three Interludes are not a favorite of mine, but they might satisfy some listeners. Here is a link to the program:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00zt72q

Don't miss out on it! MacMillan is also a great conductor, in addition to a great composer, and I'm sure he has some interesting things to say in the interviews also.
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: Mirror Image on March 29, 2011, 11:03:01 AM
Quote from: lescamil on March 29, 2011, 10:51:16 AM
Speaking of the BBC, there is a program on tonight that features his Three Interludes from the opera The Sacrifice and The Confession of Isobel Gowdie. The latter piece is definitely one of his best works. The Three Interludes are not a favorite of mine, but they might satisfy some listeners. Here is a link to the program:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00zt72q

Don't miss out on it! MacMillan is also a great conductor, in addition to a great composer, and I'm sure he has some interesting things to say in the interviews also.

Thanks for this lescamil. Should be interesting, but I will say that I've watched some interviews with MacMillan on the YouTube and he's quite an ordinary guy. You can tell, however, that his music comes from his soul as he doesn't really have all that much to say about his music. I imagine it's quite difficult for a composer to describe his music to someone else in an accessible way especially when it's as complex as MacMillan's.
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: Mirror Image on April 27, 2012, 09:36:15 PM
I'm so ashamed that I've only seriously listened to a few MacMillan compositions and I have 12 recordings of his music! :-[ I've got a vacation coming up in May, so I plan on tackling his music even though I've said this before. ::) He's one of the few Contemporary composers I can firmly stand behind because he never abandoned tonality, which, for me, means that there's still plenty to be written in a tonal idiom, but, at the same time, MacMillan isn't afraid to let his hair down and bring in some atonal elements into the music.

Hopefully, my next phase will be a MacMillan one. :)
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: lescamil on April 27, 2012, 10:25:39 PM
Ever since I have discovered MacMillan, I have found new things in his music, both in pieces that I am very familiar with and love and with his new compositions that I have heard premieres of recently. It's the sort of music that is very intricate on paper and may seem overwhelming, but the intentions are very clear and you always know what his artistic intent is. Despite it's directness, there is still room for artistic variety, as one can hear in his pieces that have been frequently performed or recorded. I think that is a sign of a composer that deserves to truly be called 'great'. He may not be completely original, but he still has an unmistakeable voice. It seems he is only recognized in the UK and Europe, but his fame is slowly being felt here in the States.
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: Mirror Image on April 28, 2012, 07:21:15 AM
Quote from: lescamil on April 27, 2012, 10:25:39 PM
Ever since I have discovered MacMillan, I have found new things in his music, both in pieces that I am very familiar with and love and with his new compositions that I have heard premieres of recently. It's the sort of music that is very intricate on paper and may seem overwhelming, but the intentions are very clear and you always know what his artistic intent is. Despite it's directness, there is still room for artistic variety, as one can hear in his pieces that have been frequently performed or recorded. I think that is a sign of a composer that deserves to truly be called 'great'. He may not be completely original, but he still has an unmistakeable voice. It seems he is only recognized in the UK and Europe, but his fame is slowly being felt here in the States.

I agree. I'm very interested in his music and the message in his music is always clear and emotional. In fact, I bought two more of his recordings last night so that will make it 14 recordings that I will own. I've got some serious listening to do!
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: Dundonnell on April 28, 2012, 02:14:38 PM
An interesting composer indeed and a fellow Scot ;D ;D

He is passionately committed to his faith and to music and the two are inextricably linked for him. There are those who are repelled by this but will not deter MacMillan one iota :)
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: madaboutmahler on April 28, 2012, 02:21:22 PM
The MacMillan work I have heard is 'Veni Veni Emmanuel' which I absolutely loved. A brilliant piece.

Definitely interested to hear more of his music! :)
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: Mirror Image on April 28, 2012, 07:12:08 PM
Quote from: Dundonnell on April 28, 2012, 02:14:38 PMHe is passionately committed to his faith and to music and the two are inextricably linked for him. There are those who are repelled by this but will not deter MacMillan one iota :)

That's very true. Why would anyone be repelled by one man's faith? I hope I didn't open a can of worms here, but I think people really should just listen to the music and judge it on whether they like it or don't like it. I'm repulsed by Wagner's attitude towards the Jews, but this doesn't stop me from enjoying the music.
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: Mirror Image on April 28, 2012, 08:23:13 PM
Quote from: madaboutmahler on April 28, 2012, 02:21:22 PM
The MacMillan work I have heard is 'Veni Veni Emmanuel' which I absolutely loved. A brilliant piece.

Definitely interested to hear more of his music! :)

Daniel, you should definitely hear The Confession of Isobel Gowdie. This is a stunning piece of music for orchestra.
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: madaboutmahler on April 29, 2012, 02:48:55 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on April 28, 2012, 08:23:13 PM
Daniel, you should definitely hear The Confession of Isobel Gowdie. This is a stunning piece of music for orchestra.

Thank you for the recommendation, John. I shall definitely look into this work! The percussion concerto has me very interested in his work.
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: Dundonnell on April 29, 2012, 01:48:41 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on April 28, 2012, 07:12:08 PM
That's very true. Why would anyone be repelled by one man's faith? I hope I didn't open a can of worms here, but I think people really should just listen to the music and judge it on whether they like it or don't like it. I'm repulsed by Wagner's attitude towards the Jews, but this doesn't stop me from enjoying the music.

I entirely agree but it always surprises and distresses me when certain people are affronted by the source of an artist's inspiration and, as a consequence, are not prepared to admire the resulting creation.

You might as well deny the beauty of medieval church architecture.
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: Mirror Image on April 29, 2012, 06:50:26 PM
Quote from: Dundonnell on April 29, 2012, 01:48:41 PM
I entirely agree but it always surprises and distresses me when certain people are affronted by the source of an artist's inspiration and, as a consequence, are not prepared to admire the resulting creation.

You might as well deny the beauty of medieval church architecture.

Beauty is beauty regardless if it came from someone who hated everybody and everything around them or someone who embraced life with a broad smile and a good cheer. As listeners, we don't have to know a composer's life story to enjoy it although I enjoy reading composer's biographies, but this shouldn't add or take away from what we're hearing.
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: Mirror Image on April 29, 2012, 08:18:18 PM
Quote from: madaboutmahler on April 29, 2012, 02:48:55 AM
Thank you for the recommendation, John. I shall definitely look into this work! The percussion concerto has me very interested in his work.

Another stunning orchestral work by MacMillan is The World's Ransoming. Totally awesome.
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: madaboutmahler on April 30, 2012, 08:31:05 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on April 29, 2012, 08:18:18 PM
Another stunning orchestral work by MacMillan is The World's Ransoming. Totally awesome.

Shall keep that recommendation in mind too, John. Thank you! :)
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: not edward on April 30, 2012, 07:42:48 PM
Quote from: Dundonnell on April 29, 2012, 01:48:41 PM
I entirely agree but it always surprises and distresses me when certain people are affronted by the source of an artist's inspiration and, as a consequence, are not prepared to admire the resulting creation.

You might as well deny the beauty of medieval church architecture.
I think there's a Brian Ferneyhough quote that's apropos here: I don't have the source to hand but he essentially argues that even though he's an atheist and his music (pace the Missa Brevis, of course) has no religious meaning, it is still in many regards culturally Christian due to the centuries-long historical impact of its forebears and influences.
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: Mirror Image on August 05, 2013, 09:44:00 AM
MacMillan is a composer who has been creeping more and more into my subconscious. I'll be honest and say that I've not listened to any of his music in quite some time. What are everyone's favorite MacMillan works?
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: kyjo on August 05, 2013, 10:40:03 AM
I think you'd really like MacMillan's music, John. His music is explosively powerful and he doesn't shy away from dissonance, but yet it is strongly communicative. MacMillan is able to compose some of the most shattering climaxes ever heard in music, as well as some of the most still near-silences. Listening to his music at a consistent volume level can be quite difficult! My favorite MacMillan works are those contained on this superb Chandos disc: Symphony no. 3 Silence and what is perhaps his masterpiece, the shockingly powerful The Confession of Isobel Gowdie:

(http://www.classicalarchives.com/images/coverart/9/e/0/9/095115127520_300.jpg)

There are many more discs of his music on Chandos and BIS, all of which I recommend. After investigating the above Chandos disc, try this BIS disc which contains some spiritually transcendent (but far from the minimalist drivel of Part and Taverner) music, but not without the usual MacMillan violence:

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/415VVSSQQ4L.jpg)

:)
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: Mirror Image on August 05, 2013, 11:01:44 AM
Thanks, Kyle. I own all the BIS and Chandos orchestral recordings in addition to Colin Davis/LSO Live recording, so no need to make recommendations in regard to recordings. ;) I need to give his music another go quite soon. He's certainly an interesting composer. I remember enjoying The Berserking with Martin Roscoe on piano. Need to revisit this recording some time today.
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: kyjo on August 05, 2013, 11:09:14 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on August 05, 2013, 11:01:44 AM
Thanks, Kyle. I own all the BIS and Chandos orchestral recordings in addition to Colin Davis/LSO Live recording, so no need to make recommendations in regard to recordings. ;) I need to give his music another go quite soon. He's certainly an interesting composer. I remember enjoying The Berserking with Martin Roscoe on piano. Need to revisit this recording some time today.

The Berserking is another great work; very rhythmical and with less emphasis on soul-searching darkness and agony than most of his other works. I was actually reminded a little of Tippett in places.
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: Mirror Image on August 05, 2013, 11:14:32 AM
Quote from: kyjo on August 05, 2013, 11:09:14 AM
The Berserking is another great work; very rhythmical and with less emphasis on soul-searching darkness and agony than most of his other works. I was actually reminded a little of Tippett in places.

Ah, yes, Tippett now here's another composer I love except for his awful operas with the exception being The Midsummer Marriage. His symphonies, concertante works, The Rose Lake, and A Child of Our Time are enough to catapult him into my top 15 favorite composers.

Nice avatar change by the way. I can't say I'm particularly impressed with Mennin's music though.
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: kyjo on August 05, 2013, 11:30:02 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on August 05, 2013, 11:14:32 AM
Ah, yes, Tippett now here's another composer I love except for his awful operas with the exception being The Midsummer Marriage. His symphonies, concertante works, The Rose Lake, and A Child of Our Time are enough to catapult him into my top 15 favorite composers.

Nice avatar change by the way. I can't say I'm particularly impressed with Mennin's music though.

Tippett's not one of my favorites, but I enjoy some of his music and listen to it every now and then. I'm not a big fan of his symphonies (no. 3 is particularly repelling to me) or operas. My favorite Tippett works are the PC, The Rose Lake, Concerto for Double String Orchestra, Fantasia concertante on a Theme of Corelli, and the Ritual Dances from The Midsummer Marriage. My opinion is that Tippett was a very uneven composer. The works I list as my favorites are some of the most sublime works of the 20th century, but then there are truly awful works like the New Year's Suite!

I've really been getting into Mennin's music lately. Its relentless motoric rhythms and stormy darkness I find quite compelling. Like Schuman's (a composer Mennin criticized for being a "populist"), Mennin's later symphonies can be rather tough going, but they are fascinating works nonetheless. I wasn't enthralled with some of his music either at first listening, but, like with so many other 20th century composers, repeated listening led to greater appreciation of his music. Give him another go! :)
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: Mirror Image on August 05, 2013, 11:41:33 AM
Quote from: kyjo on August 05, 2013, 11:30:02 AM
Tippett's not one of my favorites, but I enjoy some of his music and listen to it every now and then. I'm not a big fan of his symphonies (no. 3 is particularly repelling to me) or operas. My favorite Tippett works are the PC, The Rose Lake, Concerto for Double String Orchestra, Fantasia concertante on a Theme of Corelli, and the Ritual Dances from The Midsummer Marriage. My opinion is that Tippett was a very uneven composer. The works I list as my favorites are some of the most sublime works of the 20th century, but then there are truly awful works like the New Year's Suite!

I've really been getting into Mennin's music lately. Its relentless motoric rhythms and stormy darkness I find quite compelling. Like Schuman's (a composer Mennin criticized for being a "populist"), Mennin's later symphonies can be rather tough going, but they are fascinating works nonetheless. I wasn't enthralled with some of his music either at first listening, but, like with so many other 20th century composers, repeated listening led to greater appreciation of his music. Give him another go! :)

Please don't ever mentione New Year's Suite again!!! >:( :D You don't like A Child of Our Time? ??? That could very well be considered his magnum opus. I like all of his symphonies actually and find the 3rd no less enjoyable. Yes, he's an uneven composer but I can overlook this as his masterworks far outweigh any missteps he's made along the way. I think one of the most beautiful things about Tippett is his honest communication through his music. He may fall flat on his face, but he gets right back up again.

Mennin just doesn't seem very interesting to me and I consider Schuman the better composer by a long shot. There's not one work by Mennin I've heard where I thought "Oh! I want to hear that again!"
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: kyjo on August 05, 2013, 11:56:20 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on August 05, 2013, 11:41:33 AM
Please don't ever mentione New Year's Suite again!!! >:( :D You don't like A Child of Our Time? ??? That could very well be considered his magnum opus. I like all of his symphonies actually and find the 3rd no less enjoyable. Yes, he's an uneven composer but I can overlook this as his masterworks far outweigh any missteps he's made along the way. I think one of the most beautiful things about Tippett is his honest communication through his music. He may fall flat on his face, but he gets right back up again.

Mennin just doesn't seem very interesting to me and I consider Schuman the better composer by a long shot. There's not one work by Mennin I've heard where I thought "Oh! I want to hear that again!"

A Child of Our Time is a beautiful work, but I don't really go for the political/social message Tippett is trying to convey in it. I wish I could just concentrate on the music, but I can't. I'm being kind of unfair to Tippett, I guess, but I'm not really motivated to listen to most of his music that much. Back to MacMillan.....
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: jlaurson on July 01, 2016, 10:50:30 AM
Latest on Forbes:

(http://blogs-images.forbes.com/jenslaurson/files/2016/06/Neuberg-an-der-Muerz_Muenster_jens-f-laurson_2016_001_Front-of-Church-1200x467.jpg)

James MacMillan In The Countryside
Contemporary Music Festival in Neuberg an der Mürz

http://www.forbes.com/sites/jenslaurson/2016/07/01/contemporary-music-in-the-countryside/#4543307f1094 (http://www.forbes.com/sites/jenslaurson/2016/07/01/contemporary-music-in-the-countryside/#4543307f1094)

Usually it is chamber music that I seek when I make musical trips into the countryside... partly because Munich –
if and when I am based there – is not a terribly good place for chamber music. When based in Vienna, the situation
is not quite as dire, if only for the efforts of the Wiener Konzerthaus whose chamber music cycle(s) do all the heavy
lifting and whose chamber music venues – the Mozart- and Schubert-Hall – are absolute jewels... acoustically and
atmospherically better than the sarcophagus-like Brahms-Saal of the the Musikverein. There's a bit of contemporary
music going on in Vienna, too, but much of that either of the fig-leaf variety (done to satisfy the abstract notion
that it should be done, but with little heart behind it) or in the damp prison cell of avant-garde niche-ism ("Wien
Modern", which has thus devolved). I've certainly never gone as far for a contemporary music festival as Neuberg
an der Mürz – which is located somewhere between Vienna and the end of the world...

Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: vandermolen on July 05, 2016, 01:16:08 PM
I work part-time in a Catholic school. The other day they performed Macmillan's 'St Anne's Mass' at a religious service. I was surprised at how main stream it sounded but really liked it. As it is for 'congregation' rather than professional choir there is no CD version. However, on the strength of it I bought Macmillan's Mass and other sacred works - the first CD of his music in my collection I think. I thoroughly enjoyed the CD which is modern and yet approachable.
[asin]B00005AULF[/asin]
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: 5against4 on July 15, 2016, 08:06:01 AM
Quote from: vandermolen on July 05, 2016, 01:16:08 PM
I work part-time in a Catholic school. The other day they performed Macmillan's 'St Anne's Mass' at a religious service. I was surprised at how main stream it sounded but really liked it. As it is for 'congregation' rather than professional choir there is no CD version. However, on the strength of it I bought Macmillan's Mass and other sacred works - the first CD of his music in my collection I think. I thoroughly enjoyed the CD which is modern and yet approachable.
[asin]B00005AULF[/asin]

That disc is really excellent, vandermolen - one i've returned to many times over the years.

But has anyone else heard his new 'Seven Angels'? i experienced it on Wednesday as part of the Cheltenham Festival (review here (http://5against4.com/2016/07/15/cheltenham-music-festival-a-new-jerusalem/)) and was pretty staggered at how basic and banal it was, almost as though a student had written it (and that's not hyperbole; i mean it quite seriously). i know MacMillan is hardly 'cutting edge', but even bearing that in mind he seems to have become wildly inconsistent in recent years. Very odd.
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: Maestro267 on January 23, 2018, 08:02:24 AM
I've been on a bit of a MacMillan kick over the last day or so. Which has resulted in my ordering the recording of his "Vigil" Symphony. I've only got a few discs of his music currently, but I've listened to all of them in the last 24 hours or so. I got a little taster of the Symphony on Spotify and I love what I've heard of it.
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: Brian on January 23, 2018, 08:10:10 AM
The Dallas Symphony will be performing his Trombone Concerto live next month.
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: Karl Henning on January 23, 2018, 08:31:02 AM
Quote from: Brian on January 23, 2018, 08:10:10 AM
The Dallas Symphony will be performing his Trombone Concerto live next month.

Attending?  I shall take an interest in your report.
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: Maestro267 on January 28, 2018, 01:15:10 AM
The "Vigil" Symphony is amazing! Parts of it have the surging ecstatic energy of a work like Messiaen's Turangalila-Symphonie.
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: Maestro267 on February 07, 2018, 06:39:48 AM
I've now ordered the disc containing the first two parts of Triduum (a triptych of which the "Vigil" Symphony mentioned above is Part 3). The World's Ransoming, for cor anglais and orchestra, and the Cello Concerto. Looking forward to hearing them, and how all three works tie together.
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: Maestro267 on February 10, 2018, 10:00:37 AM
This evening I'm listening to the entire Triduum triptych. And there occurs in The World's Ransoming an element I've noticed in other MacMillan works that I find very interesting, and I associate with him. And that is the simultaneous playing of slow and fast music. Your mind is often attracted to the faster music, but every so often, you just pay closer attention to the slower music in the background. Another example of this is the closing few minutes of his early work Tryst. It's like you have this lively and racing music, and then something more slow and solemn at the same time.
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: Maestro267 on October 10, 2018, 10:30:15 PM
I've added considerably to my MacMillan collection this year, as the previous posts indicate. In the eight months since the last post, I've picked up:

- The Confession of Isobel Gowdie/Symphony No. 3 (BBC Philharmonic/MacMillan)
- A Scotch Bestiary/Piano Concerto No. 2 (Marshall (organ/piano)/BBC Philharmonic/MacMillan) - Ordered a week ago...hoping it's here today.
- St. John Passion (London SO/Davis) - Ordered yesterday.

After many years, I'm finally expanding my collection, and the works are so rewarding.
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: vandermolen on March 27, 2019, 05:57:58 AM
The Head of Music at the school where I work lent me this. I know very little of Macmillan's music although I was very impressed with his 'St Anne's Mass' which was performed in the school's medieval chapel (there is no CD). He lent me this CD and I have been very impressed with Symphony 4 - a gripping work which I wanted to repeat as soon as I'd heard it:
(//)
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: Maestro267 on March 27, 2019, 07:04:40 AM
Yes, I did very much enjoy the premiere of Symphony No. 4, although I've yet to get around to picking up that recording.

I read something about a Fifth Symphony which could be on the way before this, MacMillan's 60th birthday year, is out.
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: vandermolen on March 27, 2019, 08:10:24 AM
Quote from: Maestro267 on March 27, 2019, 07:04:40 AM
Yes, I did very much enjoy the premiere of Symphony No. 4, although I've yet to get around to picking up that recording.

I read something about a Fifth Symphony which could be on the way before this, MacMillan's 60th birthday year, is out.

Interesting to hear about a forthcoming 5th Symphony. Thanks.
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: relm1 on March 29, 2019, 04:47:24 PM
Quote from: vandermolen on March 27, 2019, 05:57:58 AM
The Head of Music at the school where I work lent me this. I know very little of Macmillan's music although I was very impressed with his 'St Anne's Mass' which was performed in the school's medieval chapel (there is no CD). He lent me this CD and I have been very impressed with Symphony 4 - a gripping work which I wanted to repeat as soon as I'd heard it:
(//)

Damn, this was a fantastic disc.  The No. 4 was wonderful.  It had such a nice blend of modality, modernism, nobility, drama, tenderness.  More please. 
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: Maestro267 on April 14, 2019, 07:23:52 AM
We have some more details about the premiere of MacMillan's Symphony No. 5 (subtitled "Le grand inconnu"). Due to be premiered on Saturday 17th August in Edinburgh's Usher Hall as part of the Edinburgh International Festival, with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra joined by the choirs The Sixteen and Genesis Sixteen, conducted by Harry Christophers.

https://www.sco.org.uk/whats-on/1643-eif-2019-macmillan-symphony-no-5 (https://www.sco.org.uk/whats-on/1643-eif-2019-macmillan-symphony-no-5)
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: bhodges on April 14, 2019, 07:37:12 AM
Quote from: Maestro267 on April 14, 2019, 07:23:52 AM
We have some more details about the premiere of MacMillan's Symphony No. 5 (subtitled "Le grand inconnu"). Due to be premiered on Saturday 17th August in Edinburgh's Usher Hall as part of the Edinburgh International Festival, with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra joined by the choirs The Sixteen and Genesis Sixteen, conducted by Harry Christophers.

https://www.sco.org.uk/whats-on/1643-eif-2019-macmillan-symphony-no-5 (https://www.sco.org.uk/whats-on/1643-eif-2019-macmillan-symphony-no-5)

Thanks for this info! I have been away from this thread for awhile, and this is great news to return to.

--Bruce
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: vandermolen on April 14, 2019, 12:26:11 PM
Quote from: relm1 on March 29, 2019, 04:47:24 PM
Damn, this was a fantastic disc.  The No. 4 was wonderful.  It had such a nice blend of modality, modernism, nobility, drama, tenderness.  More please.
+1
Very well put!
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: Maestro267 on March 27, 2020, 01:02:35 PM
First, the main reason why I'm posting in this thread. I'm listening to MacMillan's St. John Passion, a marvellous work imo. I realise, while listening to this, that MacMillan has set the Passion story, in whole or in part, at least five times. We have the two outright Passion settings of John and Luke, then before those there is the orchestral triptych Triduum, comprising The World's Ransoming, the Cello Concerto and the Symphony No. 1, "Vigil". Before those, we have the Seven Last Words from the Cross, and most recently of all, the Stabat Mater.

Second, a new recording is coming out shortly, of the Symphony No. 5 ("Le grand Inconnu") and The Sun Danced.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/MacMillan-Symphony-Sinfonia-Christophers-COR16179/dp/B084WP2QCP/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=james+macmillan+symphony&qid=1585342599&s=music&sr=1-2 (https://www.amazon.co.uk/MacMillan-Symphony-Sinfonia-Christophers-COR16179/dp/B084WP2QCP/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=james+macmillan+symphony&qid=1585342599&s=music&sr=1-2)
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: vandermolen on March 27, 2020, 01:26:24 PM
I went to the Premiere or at least the London Premiere of Symphony No.5. I thought it was excellent.
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: Symphonic Addict on April 12, 2021, 03:19:55 PM
Just heard his 4th Symphony (the Hyperion recording), and I must say it's a towering piece of music, quite probably one of my favorite symphonies of the 21st century. There are aggresive passages that blend with others more "spiritual" quite well. It has a sort of "transcendent" feel to it that gave me goosebumps. The 2nd half of the symphony contains the best music. A formidable discovery altogether.
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: kyjo on April 14, 2021, 04:03:13 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on April 12, 2021, 03:19:55 PM
Just heard his 4th Symphony (the Hyperion recording), and I must say it's a towering piece of music, quite probably one of my favorite symphonies of the 21st century. There are aggresive passages that blend with others more "spiritual" quite well. It has a sort of "transcendent" feel to it that gave me goosebumps. The 2nd half of the symphony contains the best music. A formidable discovery altogether.

Agreed, and I think the very recent 5th Symphony may be even greater. It begins rather unpromisingly with the chorus making various sound effects but eventually becomes a work of ecstatic and visionary transcendent power. MacMillan knows how to write music that is equal parts challenging and accessible.
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: Symphonic Addict on April 17, 2021, 02:58:05 PM
Quote from: kyjo on April 14, 2021, 04:03:13 PM
Agreed, and I think the very recent 5th Symphony may be even greater. It begins rather unpromisingly with the chorus making various sound effects but eventually becomes a work of ecstatic and visionary transcendent power. MacMillan knows how to write music that is equal parts challenging and accessible.

Now you piqued my curiosity, Kyle. Sounds like a must-hear.
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: vandermolen on April 17, 2021, 08:12:53 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on April 17, 2021, 02:58:05 PM
Now you piqued my curiosity, Kyle. Sounds like a must-hear.
I agree with Kyle and was fortunate to be invited by a musical colleague to see the 5th Symphony performed in London.
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: Symphonic Addict on April 19, 2021, 11:36:07 AM
Yesterday MacMillan's 5th Symphony was being played here and I concur with you guys, it's a superb composition that doesn't leave indifferent to anyone who wants to give it a try. MacMillan used human voices for great effect, which provide a rich canvas of sonorities and mysticism. There are moments of sheer exaltation and solemnity interwoven imaginatively. Both 4th and 5th symphonies have been major finds for me lately.
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: bhodges on April 19, 2021, 03:56:41 PM
Another thanks to those of you who are enthusiastically recommending the 4th and 5th symphonies. I've heard a good bit of MacMillan's work, but the symphonies not so much. You are whetting my appetite.

--Bruce
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: Symphonic Addict on April 19, 2021, 04:33:54 PM
Quote from: Brewski on April 19, 2021, 03:56:41 PM
Another thanks to those of you who are enthusiastically recommending the 4th and 5th symphonies. I've heard a good bit of MacMillan's work, but the symphonies not so much. You are whetting my appetite.

--Bruce

I don't have doubts about considering them some of the most striking symphonies of the 21st century. You could find great enjoyment on them.
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: bhodges on April 19, 2021, 04:43:55 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on April 19, 2021, 04:33:54 PM
I don't have doubts about considering them some of the most striking symphonies of the 21st century. You could find great enjoyment on them.

High praise! I've heard more of his choral music than anything else. An expert choir called The Crossing (based in Philadelphia) has been a big champion of his works. A few years ago they did his Te Deum, for choir and organ -- heavens, what a scary (and great) piece. His religious faith is clearly a very intense thing.

--Bruce
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: vandermolen on April 19, 2021, 10:23:31 PM
Quote from: Brewski on April 19, 2021, 04:43:55 PM
High praise! I've heard more of his choral music than anything else. An expert choir called The Crossing (based in Philadelphia) has been a big champion of his works. A few years ago they did his Te Deum, for choir and organ -- heavens, what a scary (and great) piece. His religious faith is clearly a very intense thing.

--Bruce
Although not Catholic myself I teach at a Catholic school and the young Head of Music is a great admirer of the composer and sent some time talking to him after the concert (that he kindly invited me to attend) in London featuring the 5th Symphony. He has corresponded with him over various musical matters. The composer appeared very nice and welcoming to talk with.
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: kyjo on April 20, 2021, 06:47:45 AM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on April 19, 2021, 11:36:07 AM
Yesterday MacMillan's 5th Symphony was being played here and I concur with you guys, it's a superb composition that doesn't leave indifferent to anyone who wants to give it a try. MacMillan used human voices for great effect, which provide a rich canvas of sonorities and mysticism. There are moments of sheer exaltation and solemnity interwoven imaginatively. Both 4th and 5th symphonies have been major finds for me lately.

Glad to hear you and Jeffrey agree with me about the 5th Symphony. It's proof that great symphonies are still being written! It's one of the most impressive works from this century that I've encountered, symphonic or otherwise. I really admire that while MacMillan has a totally individual voice, he never abandons tradition.
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: Symphonic Addict on April 20, 2021, 06:25:28 PM
Quote from: Brewski on April 19, 2021, 04:43:55 PM
High praise! I've heard more of his choral music than anything else. An expert choir called The Crossing (based in Philadelphia) has been a big champion of his works. A few years ago they did his Te Deum, for choir and organ -- heavens, what a scary (and great) piece. His religious faith is clearly a very intense thing.

--Bruce

I can feel that. It adds an extra element to the compositions.
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: Symphonic Addict on April 20, 2021, 06:26:19 PM
Quote from: kyjo on April 20, 2021, 06:47:45 AM
Glad to hear you and Jeffrey agree with me about the 5th Symphony. It's proof that great symphonies are still being written! It's one of the most impressive works from this century that I've encountered, symphonic or otherwise. I really admire that while MacMillan has a totally individual voice, he never abandons tradition.

Totally agreed, Kyle, and long live symphonies!!!
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: Mirror Image on October 20, 2021, 06:30:50 AM
I haven't watched the full interview yet, but he seems like such a well-spoken, warm individual:

https://www.youtube.com/v/raN8anjgsTM
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: Karl Henning on October 20, 2021, 06:37:06 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on October 20, 2021, 06:30:50 AM
I haven't watched the full interview yet, but he seems like such a well-spoken, warm individual:

https://www.youtube.com/v/raN8anjgsTM

He came to Symphony Hall for the performance of his St Jn Passion. Nice chap.
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: Mirror Image on October 20, 2021, 06:54:02 AM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on October 20, 2021, 06:37:06 AM
He came to Symphony Hall for the performance of his St Jn Passion. Nice chap.

Cool, Karl. Did you get to meet him?
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: Karl Henning on October 20, 2021, 07:21:11 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on October 20, 2021, 06:54:02 AM
Cool, Karl. Did you get to meet him?

Aye, momentarily, I was one in a line.
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: Mirror Image on October 20, 2021, 07:34:21 AM
This is the work that put MacMillan on the map, The Confession of Isobel Gowdie:

https://www.youtube.com/v/pvczSLC0vqk
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: Mirror Image on October 20, 2021, 07:34:42 AM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on October 20, 2021, 07:21:11 AM
Aye, momentarily, I was one in a line.

8)
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: Mirror Image on October 20, 2021, 12:08:31 PM
Another excellent interview with MacMillan:

https://www.youtube.com/v/tY5K-pCD8Ks&t=1891s
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: vandermolen on October 20, 2021, 12:59:04 PM
He's composing a 5 minute work (5 mins) for the (Catholic) school where I work. He seems like a very nice person.
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: Mirror Image on October 20, 2021, 01:02:51 PM
Quote from: vandermolen on October 20, 2021, 12:59:04 PM
He's composing a 5 minute work (5 mins) for the (Catholic) school where I work. He seems like a very nice person.

Very good, Jeffrey. I wonder if you'll have a chance to meet him? That would be awesome. 8) I've been enjoying his music quite a bit today --- it has an uncompromising emotional power to it that resonates with me.
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: vandermolen on October 20, 2021, 01:14:08 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on October 20, 2021, 01:02:51 PM
Very good, Jeffrey. I wonder if you'll have a chance to meet him? That would be awesome. 8) I've been enjoying his music quite a bit today --- it has an uncompromising emotional power to it that resonates with me.
He's quite friendly with the Head of Music at my school, who commissioned the work. He (the Head of Music, not Sir James M.!) also invited me to the London premiere of the 5th Symphony at which he had a long chat with Sir James. I was there but didn't speak to him directly, although I gather that my colleague told him that I would be dashing out to buy the CD (which I have done) as I enjoyed it so much. I'm sure that Sir James would have been thrilled by this news  ;D
I especially like symphonies 4 and 5.
If he comes to the school when the work is performed I'll try to ingratiate myself into his company.  8)
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: Mirror Image on October 20, 2021, 01:22:56 PM
Quote from: vandermolen on October 20, 2021, 01:14:08 PM
He's quite friendly with the Head of Music at my school, who commissioned the work. He also invited me to the London premiere of the 5th Symphony at which he had a long chat with Sir James. I was there but didn't speak to him directly, although I gather that my colleague told him that I would be dashing out to buy the CD (which I have done) as I enjoyed it so much. I'm sure that Sir James would have been thrilled by this news  ;D
I especially like symphonies 4 and 5.
If he comes to the school when the work is performed I'll try to ingratiate myself into his company.  8)

So cool, Jeffrey. 8) Have you heard the other symphonies? Symphony Vigil, Symphony No. 2 and Symphony No. 3, "Silence"? I believe you've heard the concerti for violin and viola, right? I absolute dig The Berserking (his 1st PC).
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: vandermolen on October 20, 2021, 01:30:01 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on October 20, 2021, 01:22:56 PM
So cool, Jeffrey. 8) Have you heard the other symphonies? Symphony Vigil, Symphony No. 2 and Symphony No. 3, "Silence"? I believe you've heard the concerti for violin and viola, right? I absolute dig The Berserking (his 1st PC).
Thanks John.
I've heard a few works John but, to be quite honest, nothing impressed me as much as Symphony No.4. I'm quite friendly with the Head of Music at my school (tragically his young wife aged 28 died, completely unexpectedly, a few months ago (overnight) leaving him with three very young children). I think that Sir James (who tragically lost a grandchild) was very supportive to my colleague. Anyway, I'd been lending loads of obscure CDs to my colleague (Miaskovsky, Klaus Egge etc - the usual suspects) and he insisted that I listen to MacMillan's 4th symphony and lent me his CD, which was a revelation to me.
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: Mirror Image on October 20, 2021, 01:39:03 PM
Quote from: vandermolen on October 20, 2021, 01:30:01 PM
Thanks John.
I've heard a few works John but, to be quite honest, nothing impressed me as much as Symphony No.4. I'm quite friendly with the Head of Music at my school (tragically his young wife aged 28 died, completely unexpectedly, a few months ago (overnight) leaving him with three very young children). I think that Sir James (who tragically lost a grandchild) was very supportive to my colleague. Anyway, I'd been lending loads of obscure CDs to my colleague (Miaskovsky, Klaus Egge etc - the usual suspects) and he insisted that I listen to MacMillan's 4th symphony and lent me his CD, which was a revelation to me.

Music is certainly a healing force for sure. Sorry to hear this of your colleague and I wasn't aware that MacMillan lost a grandchild. You've got to give a listen to The Berserking. I think you'll enjoy it as much as I did. The Chandos recording with the composer conducting and Martin Roscoe is off-the-chain good. With a composer like MacMillan where you feel that there's much going on underneath the surface, it does seem like a listener will benefit greatly from multiple listens or, at least, this is my own experience with his music of which I'm reacquainting myself with after a long break from it.

Give this a listen here:

https://www.youtube.com/v/7nDNgH9WgxY
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: vandermolen on October 20, 2021, 01:47:37 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on October 20, 2021, 01:39:03 PM
Music is certainly a healing force for sure. Sorry to hear this of your colleague and I wasn't aware that MacMillan lost a grandchild. You've got to give a listen to The Berserking. I think you'll enjoy it as much as I did. The Chandos recording with the composer conducting and Martin Roscoe is off-the-chain good. With a composer like MacMillan where you feel that there's much going on underneath the surface, it does seem like a listener will benefit greatly from multiple listens or, at least, this is my own experience with his music of which I'm reacquainting myself with after a long break from it.

Give this a listen here:

https://www.youtube.com/v/7nDNgH9WgxY
Will do John - Thank you  :)
This short book might be of interest to you:
(//)
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: Mirror Image on October 20, 2021, 02:28:36 PM
Quote from: vandermolen on October 20, 2021, 01:47:37 PM
Will do John - Thank you  :)
This short book might be of interest to you:


Thanks, Jeffrey. I just bought it.

I'm also considering this more in-depth book about his music:

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71tJ1oPBfOL.jpg)
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: bhodges on October 21, 2021, 07:55:16 AM
This disc from Polyphony and the Britten Sinfonia, with Seven Last Words from the Cross, is pretty great.

https://www.amazon.com/MacMillan-Seven-Last-Words-Cross/dp/B000A17GMY/ref=sr_1_13?dchild=1&keywords=macmillan&qid=1634831540&s=music&sr=1-13

--Bruce
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: vandermolen on December 05, 2021, 02:05:41 PM
Here is a review of the concert that I attended in London last night (if the link works):
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/music/classical-music/james-macmillans-christmas-oratorio-review-major-contribution/
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: Maestro267 on December 06, 2021, 03:38:32 AM
Behind a god damn paywall

Here's one that isn't: https://theartsdesk.com/classical-music/macmillan-christmas-oratorio-lpo-elder-rfh-review-%E2%80%93-new-star-season (https://theartsdesk.com/classical-music/macmillan-christmas-oratorio-lpo-elder-rfh-review-%E2%80%93-new-star-season)

I hope this gets recorded one day. A major work from one of our great living composers.
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: vandermolen on December 06, 2021, 04:03:48 AM
Quote from: Maestro267 on December 06, 2021, 03:38:32 AM
Behind a god damn paywall

Here's one that isn't: https://theartsdesk.com/classical-music/macmillan-christmas-oratorio-lpo-elder-rfh-review-%E2%80%93-new-star-season (https://theartsdesk.com/classical-music/macmillan-christmas-oratorio-lpo-elder-rfh-review-%E2%80%93-new-star-season)

I hope this gets recorded one day. A major work from one of our great living composers.
OK sorry about that. I have a free trial with the newspaper at the moment so was able to download it.
Anyway, I came across this rather nice short intro from Sir James to the Christmas Oratorio online:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_DIiOpvUqY
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: Maestro267 on December 06, 2021, 04:07:41 AM
I can't help but note comparisons in the overall structure to Messiaen's La Transfiguration. Two parts of seven movements each, although the Messiaen runs gospel-2 meditations-gospel-2 meditations-chorale for each of its two Septenaries so it's not the symmetry of the MacMillan.
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: vandermolen on December 06, 2021, 04:30:33 AM
Quote from: Maestro267 on December 06, 2021, 04:07:41 AM
I can't help but note comparisons in the overall structure to Messiaen's La Transfiguration. Two parts of seven movements each, although the Messiaen runs gospel-2 meditations-gospel-2 meditations-chorale for each of its two Septenaries so it's not the symmetry of the MacMillan.
Interesting point. He has his own style, although at times I noted the possible influence of Britten, Ives and Janacek.
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: relm1 on December 06, 2021, 06:12:28 AM
Quote from: vandermolen on December 06, 2021, 04:30:33 AM
Interesting point. He has his own style, although at times I noted the possible influence of Britten, Ives and Janacek.

I also sense a little bit of Sir Peter Maxwell Davies in his music.  At least some of the earlier music like Confessions of Isobel Gowdie.  A very fine composer of consistency and depth. 
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: vandermolen on December 06, 2021, 09:01:10 AM
Quote from: relm1 on December 06, 2021, 06:12:28 AM
I also sense a little bit of Sir Peter Maxwell Davies in his music.  At least some of the earlier music like Confessions of Isobel Gowdie.  A very fine composer of consistency and depth.
I agree - although I don't know much Maxwell Davies. I think that MacMillan is a most interesting composer of 'musical modernism with a soul'!
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: foxandpeng on December 07, 2021, 07:24:58 AM
Quote from: relm1 on December 06, 2021, 06:12:28 AM
I also sense a little bit of Sir Peter Maxwell Davies in his music.  At least some of the earlier music like Confessions of Isobel Gowdie.  A very fine composer of consistency and depth.

I can see that. I've spent a lot of time with PMD over the last few months, and what I've heard of MacMillan today has some resonance, to me at least. Less challenging than PMD, I think, though.
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: relm1 on December 07, 2021, 04:13:59 PM
Quote from: foxandpeng on December 07, 2021, 07:24:58 AM
I can see that. I've spent a lot of time with PMD over the last few months, and what I've heard of MacMillan today has some resonance, to me at least. Less challenging than PMD, I think, though.

Very much agree.  I recall PMD spoke highly of MacMillan to me in late 1990's.  I think at that time, JM was the next big thing, but I recall PMD saying he was impressed with his music and productivity in how he kept turning out major works.   Sadly, I didn't ask further or what works specifically he was referring to as I wasn't familiar enough with MacMillan at that time and Ades was the new "it" composer as Asyla had just premiered.  This was at the time that PMD was premiering "A Reel of Seven Fisherman" which was old fashioned by comparison.  I believe it even ended with a triad.  :laugh:
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: vandermolen on June 18, 2022, 12:44:46 PM
I had an interesting afternoon. The Catholic school (High School) where I teach is 150 years old this year. To commemorate this anniversary the school commissioned Sir James MacMillan to write a work (chorus and organ) which is a setting of a prayer written by the school's founder. The Head of Music has had some contact with the composer before. Today was the World Premiere Performance in the school chapel (built out of a medieval palace of the Archbishop of Canterbury). Sir James was supposed to be there but disappointingly pulled out at the last minute. There was however a video link-up so Sir James appeared on screen before the Mass answering some questions. However, the combination of his Scottish accent and a poor audio-visual link meant that what he said was more or less unintelligible. Nevertheless the work was very good and very moving in places. It is called 'Let us love one another' (1921). I had heard it being rehearsed over the past couple of weeks and I knew that it would be impressive. As soon as I receive a link from the Head of Music I will, with his permission, post it here.
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: relm1 on June 18, 2022, 03:47:55 PM
Quote from: vandermolen on June 18, 2022, 12:44:46 PM
I had an interesting afternoon. The Catholic school (High School) where I teach is 150 years old this year. To commemorate this anniversary the school commissioned Sir James MacMillan to write a work (chorus and organ) which is a setting of a prayer written by the school's founder. The Head of Music has had some contact with the composer before. Today was the World Premiere Performance in the school chapel (built out of a medieval palace of the Archbishop of Canterbury). Sir James was supposed to be there but disappointingly pulled out at the last minute. There was however a video link-up so Sir James appeared on screen before the Mass answering some questions. However, the combination of his Scottish accent and a poor audio-visual link meant that what he said was more or less unintelligible. Nevertheless the work was very good and very moving in places. It is called 'Let us love one another' (1921). I had heard it being rehearsed over the past couple of weeks and I knew that it would be impressive. As soon as I receive a link from the Head of Music I will, with his permission, post it here.

That's very cool!  Also so interesting you teach at a 150 year old school.  What do you teach? 
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: vandermolen on June 18, 2022, 10:15:06 PM
Quote from: relm1 on June 18, 2022, 03:47:55 PM
That's very cool!  Also so interesting you teach at a 150 year old school.  What do you teach?
I teach History of Art to year 12 and 13 (16-18 year olds) and History to Year 8 (12/13 year olds). I'm also a school counsellor (as in therapy type of counselling). This is a part-time job (usually three day's a week) which I have had since retiring from full-time teaching in 2015. By background I'm a History teacher.
Here's the chapel (originally part of the hall of the medieval palace where Elizabeth 1st once apparently visited). It is where the James MacMillan work was performed:
(//)
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: Christo on June 18, 2022, 11:18:39 PM
Quote from: vandermolen on June 18, 2022, 10:15:06 PM
I teach History of Art to year 12 and 13 (16-18 year olds) and History to Year 8 (12/13 year olds). I'm also a school counsellor (as in therapy type of counselling). This is a part-time job (usually three day's a week) which I have had since retiring from full-time teaching in 2015. By background I'm a History teacher.
Here's the chapel (originally part of the hall of the medieval palace where Elizabeth 1st once apparently visited). It is where the James MacMillan work was performed:
Splendid!
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: vandermolen on June 18, 2022, 11:27:19 PM
Quote from: Christo on June 18, 2022, 11:18:39 PM
Splendid!
Thank you!
:)
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: relm1 on June 19, 2022, 05:13:43 AM
Quote from: vandermolen on June 18, 2022, 10:15:06 PM
I teach History of Art to year 12 and 13 (16-18 year olds) and History to Year 8 (12/13 year olds). I'm also a school counsellor (as in therapy type of counselling). This is a part-time job (usually three day's a week) which I have had since retiring from full-time teaching in 2015. By background I'm a History teacher.
Here's the chapel (originally part of the hall of the medieval palace where Elizabeth 1st once apparently visited). It is where the James MacMillan work was performed:
(//)

That's fascinating!  I'm a history buff especially ancient history.  You have a very interesting life and have met amazing people, attended wonderful concerts in throughout your life.
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: vandermolen on June 19, 2022, 11:07:58 PM
Quote from: relm1 on June 19, 2022, 05:13:43 AM
That's fascinating!  I'm a history buff especially ancient history.  You have a very interesting life and have met amazing people, attended wonderful concerts in throughout your life.
Kind of you to say that Karim although I'm inclined to agree with George Orwell who said that '"A man who gives a good account of himself is probably lying, since any life when viewed from the inside is simply a series of defeats."  8)
I should point out that I have never met James MacMillan, although I was in his presence when the Head of Music, at the school where I work, was talking to him at the London premiere of his 5th symphony. I had hoped to meet him when he visited the school last Saturday but, unfortunately, he pulled out at the last minute. Whilst at university I was in the presence of Lutoslawski while some of the music students were talking to him (I doubt if I knew any of his music at the time). Other than that the most interesting well-known person I met was Christopher Lee the Dracula/LOTR actor who was very kind to me as a 12 year old (at the height of my horror film craze) when I met him at a charity golf tournament (he let me talk to him for ages, allowed me to take his photo, and then sent me a thank you letter when I sent him a copy of the photo). I had an interesting correspondence over the years with Ursula Vaughan Williams and received nice replies to my unsolicited-fan letters from Vagn Holmboe (whom Christo of this forum knew quite well), David Diamond, John Kinsella, George Lloyd and one or two others. My good friend from my teacher training course, Robert Goddard is a well-known writer of novels but that's about it I think. I've taught a couple of girls who became well-known actors and met Maria Ewing the opera singer at a parent's meeting as I taught her daughter. Yes, I have attended many great concerts (Horensein conducting Bruckner's 8th Symphony, Boult conducting VW, Copland conducting Roy Harris's 3rd Symphony etc) but I'm sure that's true of many people here. I was lucky to be born and brought up in central London, within walking distance from the Albert Hall. I'm glad you like History - teaching that subject has been very rewarding and I have enjoyed that part of my life greatly.
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on June 20, 2022, 06:20:30 AM
Quote from: vandermolen on June 18, 2022, 10:15:06 PM
I teach History of Art to year 12 and 13 (16-18 year olds) and History to Year 8 (12/13 year olds). I'm also a school counsellor (as in therapy type of counselling). This is a part-time job (usually three day's a week) which I have had since retiring from full-time teaching in 2015. By background I'm a History teacher.
Here's the chapel (originally part of the hall of the medieval palace where Elizabeth 1st once apparently visited). It is where the James MacMillan work was performed:

That's a fascinating area, Jeffrey. I like art history. I have several books about (Western) art history and architectural history and I love them.  Maybe I should look for dvds of art history as well.
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: vandermolen on June 20, 2022, 06:57:21 AM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on June 20, 2022, 06:20:30 AM
That's a fascinating area, Jeffrey. I like art history. I have several books about (Western) art history and architectural history and I love them.  Maybe I should look for dvds of art history as well.
OT
Oh, there are lots of good History of Art series on DVD Manabu (I like 'The Power of Art' for example) but I'm aware that it might not be compatible for all regions. I'm sure that you'd enjoy it though. As a result of really liking the music for the episode on J M W Turner I got in contact with the composer of the accompanying music (Niraj Chag) who is a very nice young composer. His album 'Mud Doll' is one of my favourite non-classical CDs. Even my wife likes it  ;D
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on June 20, 2022, 01:18:02 PM
Quote from: vandermolen on June 20, 2022, 06:57:21 AM
OT
Oh, there are lots of good History of Art series on DVD Manabu (I like 'The Power of Art' for example) but I'm aware that it might not be compatible for all regions. I'm sure that you'd enjoy it though. As a result of really liking the music for the episode on J M W Turner I got in contact with the composer of the accompanying music (Niraj Chag) who is a very nice young composer. His album 'Mud Doll' is one of my favourite non-classical CDs. Even my wife likes it  ;D

I will look for the Power of Art. I have been thinking about auditing art history/appreciation classes at my university. I am certain that you had a wonderful time teaching the relevant courses in the area. There must be a lot of exciting topics and issues.
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: vandermolen on June 20, 2022, 03:06:17 PM
Here's the link to 'Let us love one another' by Sir James MacMillan, premiered in my school last Saturday.

https://mayfieldgirls-my.sharepoint.com/personal/mward_mayfieldgirls_org/_layouts/15/onedrive.aspx?id=%2Fpersonal%2Fmward%5Fmayfieldgirls%5Forg%2FDocuments%2FMacMillan%20%2D%20Let%20us%20Love%20One%20Another%20%283%29%2Ewav&parent=%2Fpersonal%2Fmward%5Fmayfieldgirls%5Forg%2FDocuments&ct=1655766150899&or=OWA%2DNT&cid=20d1c05a%2D4d63%2Dc223%2Db28c%2D2af239d5710b&ga=1
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: foxandpeng on June 20, 2022, 03:11:19 PM
Quote from: vandermolen on June 20, 2022, 03:06:17 PM
Here's the link to 'Let us love one another' by Sir James MacMillan, premiered in my school last Saturday.

https://mayfieldgirls-my.sharepoint.com/personal/mward_mayfieldgirls_org/_layouts/15/onedrive.aspx?id=%2Fpersonal%2Fmward%5Fmayfieldgirls%5Forg%2FDocuments%2FMacMillan%20%2D%20Let%20us%20Love%20One%20Another%20%283%29%2Ewav&parent=%2Fpersonal%2Fmward%5Fmayfieldgirls%5Forg%2FDocuments&ct=1655766150899&or=OWA%2DNT&cid=20d1c05a%2D4d63%2Dc223%2Db28c%2D2af239d5710b&ga=1

Thank you! Although it seems one needs a registered account?
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: Karl Henning on June 20, 2022, 04:29:02 PM
Quote from: vandermolen on June 19, 2022, 11:07:58 PM
Kind of you to say that Karim although I'm inclined to agree with George Orwell who said that '"A man who gives a good account of himself is probably lying, since any life when viewed from the inside is simply a series of defeats."  8)
I should point out that I have never met James MacMillan, although I was in his presence when the Head of Music, at the school where I work, was talking to him at the London premiere of his 5th symphony. I had hoped to meet him when he visited the school last Saturday but, unfortunately, he pulled out at the last minute. Whilst at university I was in the presence of Lutoslawski while some of the music students were talking to him (I doubt if I knew any of his music at the time). Other than that the most interesting well-known person I met was Christopher Lee the Dracula/LOTR actor who was very kind to me as a 12 year old (at the height of my horror film craze) when I met him at a charity golf tournament (he let me talk to him for ages, allowed me to take his photo, and then sent me a thank you letter when I sent him a copy of the photo). I had an interesting correspondence over the years with Ursula Vaughan Williams and received nice replies to my unsolicited-fan letters from Vagn Holmboe (whom Christo of this forum knew quite well), David Diamond, John Kinsella, George Lloyd and one or two others. My good friend from my teacher training course, Robert Goddard is a well-known writer of novels but that's about it I think. I've taught a couple of girls who became well-known actors and met Maria Ewing the opera singer at a parent's meeting as I taught her daughter. Yes, I have attended many great concerts (Horensein conducting Bruckner's 8th Symphony, Boult conducting VW, Copland conducting Roy Harris's 3rd Symphony etc) but I'm sure that's true of many people here. I was lucky to be born and brought up in central London, within walking distance from the Albert Hall. I'm glad you like History - teaching that subject has been very rewarding and I have enjoyed that part of my life greatly.

Tangentially ... oh, was that Christopher Lee playing Saruman, and I am only now connecting those dots?
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: relm1 on June 20, 2022, 04:47:55 PM
Quote from: vandermolen on June 20, 2022, 03:06:17 PM
Here's the link to 'Let us love one another' by Sir James MacMillan, premiered in my school last Saturday.

https://mayfieldgirls-my.sharepoint.com/personal/mward_mayfieldgirls_org/_layouts/15/onedrive.aspx?id=%2Fpersonal%2Fmward%5Fmayfieldgirls%5Forg%2FDocuments%2FMacMillan%20%2D%20Let%20us%20Love%20One%20Another%20%283%29%2Ewav&parent=%2Fpersonal%2Fmward%5Fmayfieldgirls%5Forg%2FDocuments&ct=1655766150899&or=OWA%2DNT&cid=20d1c05a%2D4d63%2Dc223%2Db28c%2D2af239d5710b&ga=1

The link doesn't work for me either.  Is anyone else able to forward it?
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: vandermolen on June 20, 2022, 09:44:22 PM
Quote from: relm1 on June 20, 2022, 04:47:55 PM
The link doesn't work for me either.  Is anyone else able to forward it?
Sorry about that guys. I'll see what I can do.

PS I tried to use the 'insert hyperlink' feature but it says that the file is too big.
The recording is about 7 minutes.
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: vandermolen on June 20, 2022, 09:45:08 PM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on June 20, 2022, 04:29:02 PM
Tangentially ... oh, was that Christopher Lee playing Saruman, and I am only now connecting those dots?
Yes, indeed Karl.
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: relm1 on June 21, 2022, 05:30:49 AM
Quote from: vandermolen on June 20, 2022, 09:44:22 PM
Sorry about that guys. I'll see what I can do.

PS I tried to use the 'insert hyperlink' feature but it says that the file is too big.
The recording is about 7 minutes.

You might try we send it at https://www.wesendit.com/ (https://www.wesendit.com/) where you can get a link to files up to 50 gigs and post that.  I think the URL only lasts for two weeks though.
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: vandermolen on June 21, 2022, 12:01:07 PM
Quote from: relm1 on June 21, 2022, 05:30:49 AM
You might try we send it at https://www.wesendit.com/ (https://www.wesendit.com/) where you can get a link to files up to 50 gigs and post that.  I think the URL only lasts for two weeks though.
Thanks.
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: foxandpeng on April 14, 2023, 03:38:11 PM
Throwing in my hat from my posts in the WAYLT thread, to endorse James MacMillan as a fine composer 😁

Having now heard all the symphonies and string quartets over the last couple of days, I think he is pretty impressive across the board.  Just my two cents 🙂
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: brewski on April 14, 2023, 06:12:52 PM
Quote from: foxandpeng on April 14, 2023, 03:38:11 PMThrowing in my hat from my posts in the WAYLT thread, to endorse James MacMillan as a fine composer 😁

Having now heard all the symphonies and string quartets over the last couple of days, I think he is pretty impressive across the board.  Just my two cents 🙂

Love your two cents. I think MacMillan is a marvelous composer, who seems to get not much air time in the United States, at least lately. An indelible memory: hearing the world premiere in 2004 of his organ concerto, A Scotch Bestiary, with Wayne Marshall and the Los Angeles Philharmonic, conducted by Esa-Pekka Salonen.

That said, I have not heard most of the symphonies and quartets, so your post is a good reminder to do so.

-Bruce
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: foxandpeng on April 15, 2023, 08:14:34 AM
Quote from: brewski on April 14, 2023, 06:12:52 PMLove your two cents. I think MacMillan is a marvelous composer, who seems to get not much air time in the United States, at least lately. An indelible memory: hearing the world premiere in 2004 of his organ concerto, A Scotch Bestiary, with Wayne Marshall and the Los Angeles Philharmonic, conducted by Esa-Pekka Salonen.

That said, I have not heard most of the symphonies and quartets, so your post is a good reminder to do so.

-Bruce

I wish I'd been there!

I find MacMillan really valuable and at times, challenging. His modernity pushes all my good buttons. Symphonies are great. String Quartets? Also excellent. Some works like Cummnock Fair sound like Tim Burton has inspired a trip to the carnival. Excellent but I wouldn't buy any candy floss while there, just in case. Great, but odd.

Cross-post from WAYLT...

James MacMillan
Symphony 5 'Le grand inconnu'
MacMillan
Britten Sinfonia



MacMillan's Symphony 5 has been harder to connect to, for me, purely because of the choral nature of the work. I don't always connect so quickly or so well with choral works. Subjective thing, and not a blanket principle. MacMillan is so good, however, that I'm persevering.

His exploration of the mystery of the Holy Spirit is the focus of the work. Three movements, with titles corresponding, respectively, to wind, water, and fire. Is he successful? No idea. Probably not. Is the music good? I guess so. Lots of singing.
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: vandermolen on April 15, 2023, 11:50:51 PM
Quote from: foxandpeng on April 15, 2023, 08:14:34 AMI wish I'd been there!

I find MacMillan really valuable and at times, challenging. His modernity pushes all my good buttons. Symphonies are great. String Quartets? Also excellent. Some works like Cummnock Fair sound like Tim Burton has inspired a trip to the carnival. Excellent but I wouldn't buy any candy floss while there, just in case. Great, but odd.

Cross-post from WAYLT...

James MacMillan
Symphony 5 'Le grand inconnu'
MacMillan
Britten Sinfonia



MacMillan's Symphony 5 has been harder to connect to, for me, purely because of the choral nature of the work. I don't always connect so quickly or so well with choral works. Subjective thing, and not a blanket principle. MacMillan is so good, however, that I'm persevering.

His exploration of the mystery of the Holy Spirit is the focus of the work. Three movements, with titles corresponding, respectively, to wind, water, and fire. Is he successful? No idea. Probably not. Is the music good? I guess so. Lots of singing.
Do you know the 4th Symphony Danny? It was a revelation to me when the Head of Music, at the school where I teach, lent me the CD (there are two now) and insisted that I listen to it.
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: foxandpeng on April 16, 2023, 12:39:05 AM
Quote from: vandermolen on April 15, 2023, 11:50:51 PMDo you know the 4th Symphony Danny? It was a revelation to me when the Head of Music, at the school where I teach, lent me the CD (there are two now) and insisted that I listen to it.

I do  :) . I very much enjoy all of the first 4 symphonies. Your Head of Music is a wise individual. It's only #5 where I find some ambivalence; choral material rarely finds a place in my regular listening. There are exceptions, of course.
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: Symphonic Addict on April 16, 2023, 05:51:25 PM
I rank his Symphonies 4 and 5 very high, some of the most captivating and attractive symphonies of modern times; the others don't do much for me. Another work of his I find interesting is the Concerto for percussion and orchestra 'Veni, veni Emmanuel'.
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: relm1 on June 07, 2023, 05:34:22 AM
This world premiere of MacMillan's Fiat Lux cantata for soloists, choir, organ and orchestra is next week and sounds interesting.  I might check it out. 

https://www.boosey.com/cr/music/James-MacMillan-Fiat-Lux/104088 (https://www.boosey.com/cr/music/James-MacMillan-Fiat-Lux/104088)
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: lunar22 on June 23, 2023, 08:40:33 AM
As a Scot, I'm  more or less obliged to pay some attention to by far my native land's best known living composer. I find MacMillan at his best in choral music which includes the 5th symphony. I've heard some orchestral stuff in concert (such as the entire Easter Triptych and Veni Veni Emmanuel) which I enjoyed at the time but find hard to listen to at home. Perhaps his Stabat Mater is the best work I know.
Title: Re: James MacMillan
Post by: relm1 on June 24, 2023, 06:04:27 AM
Quote from: relm1 on June 07, 2023, 05:34:22 AMThis world premiere of MacMillan's Fiat Lux cantata for soloists, choir, organ and orchestra is next week and sounds interesting.  I might check it out. 

https://www.boosey.com/cr/music/James-MacMillan-Fiat-Lux/104088 (https://www.boosey.com/cr/music/James-MacMillan-Fiat-Lux/104088)

Pictures from the premiere of Fiat Lux.  "The 45-minute epic is a work of unfettered exultation and radical religiosity, as weird as it is wondrous."
(https://ca-times.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/8dd79b4/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5000x3581+0+0/resize/1200x859!/format/webp/quality/80/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F77%2Fce%2F506e62ac4bfb85ca65489349e8bb%2F2023-06-15-pacsymp-dg-7183.jpg)
(https://ca-times.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/07e8b92/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5000x3333+0+0/resize/1200x800!/format/webp/quality/80/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff7%2F8b%2Fc5f057b943938a132d85f28b0034%2F2023-06-15-pacsymp-dg-4466.jpg)