Search - Osmo Vänskä, Raphael Wallfisch, Christine Pendrill :: MacMillan: Triduum Parts 1 and 2 - The World's Ransoming, Concerto For Cello / Vanska, Wallfisch, Pendrill, et al

The Passion of James MacMillan

Thomas F. Bertonneau | Oswego, NY United States | 10/01/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD from BIS presents the first two parts of the orchestral trilogy that MacMillan calls "Triduum." The three parts together explore the actus tragicus of Eastertide and constitute a kind of Bachian "Passion" in purely instrumental terms. Part I of "Triduum" bears the title "The World's Ransoming" and consists of a concerto, in one twenty-minute movement, for cor anglais and orchestra. MacMillan, who is a professing Catholic of deep faith, speaks in a vocabulary which is distinctly modern (showing that he has learned lessons from Messiaen and Stravinsky) while being at the same time highly accessible and dramatic. Much of the thematic interest in "The World's Ransoming" stems from the composer's use of Gregorian chants associated with Easter (the "Pange Lingua" plays an important role). Many of the ecclesiastical motifs that appear in the cor anglais concerto reappear in Parts II and III of "Triduum," as do other motifs that come from MacMillan himself. Part II of the trilogy is a cello concerto. This time there are three distinct movements: "The Mockery," "The Reproaches," and "Dearest Wood and Dearest Iron," the last a reference to the Cross. The cello concerto requires twice the playing time of the cor anglais concerto, and lifts the drama (and the angst) to a higher level. MacMillan further develops the plainsong-motifs and brings in fresh material. The orchestra contributes its full potential and there is much "sonic spectacle" in both works. The "spectacle" is never gratuitous, however; it always contributes to the power of the scene. Both "The World's Ransoming" and the Cello Concerto are symphonic in their conception. We do not achieve catharsis in these two works: That comes only in the symphony, entitled "Vigil," that concludes the trilogy. (It comes on a second CD and must be purchased seperately.) Osmo Vanska, a Finnish conductor, is associated with brilliant modern scores like those of his countryman Kalevi Aho. He leads the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra. BIS delivers its usual wall-shaking sound and immaculate acoistic clarity."

Transcendent Modern Music

Christopher G. Forbes | New York, NY | 12/05/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"James MacMillan is fast becoming my favorite new composer. These two works are passionate, filled with moments of terror and moments of sublime poetry. Like many composers of the last decades, MacMillan's music is informed by his spirituality, in his case a deep devotion to the Catholic faith. But unlike the holy minimalists, Macmillan is not afraid to embrace the dark and the dissonant, but always with a clear dramatic intent. And there are also moments of almost heart-splitting beauty. The opening lament for the cor anglaise in the World's Ransoming in particular stands out. Though each of these pieces stands on it's own, taken together they are a journey into the darkest moments of the Christian year. If you are looking for a classical version of New Age Spirituality, look elsewhere. But if you want a deep and moving musical and spiritual experience, you can't do better that these works."