Frequently Bought Together
Product details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
Listen to Samples and Buy MP3s
Songs from this album are available to purchase as MP3s. Click on "Buy MP3" or
view the MP3 Album.
|
Product Description
Product Description
Continuing their work with Scotlands most prominent living composer, James MacMillan, Harry Christophers and The Sixteen will release the premiere recording of his exquisite new work Miserere for the CORO label in November. The Sixteens UK premiere of the Miserere at the 2010 Spitalfields Festival won both public and critical acclaim. Based on Psalm 51, the Miserere mei has been set to music many times over the centuries but few composers have tackled the complete text. Allegri was one such composer, whose reputation rests on that single work. CORO is delighted to release the first recording of James MacMillans 21st-century take on the text. The group is renowned for its work with the Scottish composer, and his O bone Jesu - a piece composed especially for The Sixteen and written in emulation of his countryman Robert Carvers 19-voice O bone Jesu - was part of the ensembles 2002 and 2009 Choral Pilgrimage tours and features on this new CD. The disc also contains a selection of The Strathclyde Motets and the Tenebrae Responsories.
Review
The Sixteen's uniquely warm and graceful sound certainly seems to have tapped a particularly timeless and atmospheric vein in MacMillan's creative persona and he has here presented them with something which tests not so much their collective virtuosity as their most profound musical instincts. This disc bears testament to a rare and wonderful relationship between composer,choir and conductor.Long may it continue. --Gramophone,Nov'11
This terrific release offers anourishing blend of recent MacMillan, beautifully performed and recorded. ***** --Classic fm Magazine,Dec'11
James MacMillan has always shown a flair for dramatic portrayals of spiritual conflict: light against dark, anxiety and despair against consolation. It is blazingly evident in these choral pieces, which conjure astonishing sounds from just 16 voices, and also at times a distinctly folk-like flavour. Technically they often pose huge demands, especially the slithering descents and chromatic shifts in the setting of the Tenebrae. The Sixteen surmount them all triumphantly, and make a sound of impassioned warmth and pinpoint accuracy.CD OF THE WEEK --Daily Telegraph,18/11/11
The Sixteen excels in this type of repertory and the performances demonstrate their sheer professionalism. This is a richly rewarding release. --IRR,Dec'11
Newcomers to MacMillan should find the Miserere an excellent place to start (well done Coro for putting it first).With everything superbly recorded, this is a disc to return often, and in which to discover new things each time. Performance ***** Recording ***** --BBC Music Magazine,Jan'12
A disc of MacMillan from the Sixteen under Christophers promises much and the results don't disappoint. A superlative disc. ***** --Choir and Organ,Nov/Dec'11
Critics' Choice 2012 --Gramophone, Christmas '12
This terrific release offers anourishing blend of recent MacMillan, beautifully performed and recorded. ***** --Classic fm Magazine,Dec'11
James MacMillan has always shown a flair for dramatic portrayals of spiritual conflict: light against dark, anxiety and despair against consolation. It is blazingly evident in these choral pieces, which conjure astonishing sounds from just 16 voices, and also at times a distinctly folk-like flavour. Technically they often pose huge demands, especially the slithering descents and chromatic shifts in the setting of the Tenebrae. The Sixteen surmount them all triumphantly, and make a sound of impassioned warmth and pinpoint accuracy.CD OF THE WEEK --Daily Telegraph,18/11/11
The Sixteen excels in this type of repertory and the performances demonstrate their sheer professionalism. This is a richly rewarding release. --IRR,Dec'11
Newcomers to MacMillan should find the Miserere an excellent place to start (well done Coro for putting it first).With everything superbly recorded, this is a disc to return often, and in which to discover new things each time. Performance ***** Recording ***** --BBC Music Magazine,Jan'12
A disc of MacMillan from the Sixteen under Christophers promises much and the results don't disappoint. A superlative disc. ***** --Choir and Organ,Nov/Dec'11
Critics' Choice 2012 --Gramophone, Christmas '12
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By JP
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
I've enjoyed much of James MacMillan's work since I first heard Isabel Gowdie. I don't share his religious convictions at all but I recognise he is powerfully motivated to write music of meaning and beauty. This collection is a fine set of works. I lent it to a friend who needed some solace and he found it deeply moving and asked me to get him a copy. The recording quality is excellent, with good balance and soundstage. It would be a nice intro to MacMillan's work.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By Mr. M. Grant
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
The works on the CD comprise the most beautiful 21st century choral compositions I have heard. The Miserere in particular is incredibly beautiful. The Sixteen under Harry Christophers are in fine form as usual.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
The ghost of Allegri is never far off in this Miserere
and other, more contemporary choral writers from the Baltic and North America
are brought to mind too, on the other tracks, but who cares?
Here is the joy of a creative composer working with a Rolls Royce of a choir
that is simply marvellous to hear and questions of originality are irrelevant.
Let's hope the classical radio stations don't play this disc to death!
and other, more contemporary choral writers from the Baltic and North America
are brought to mind too, on the other tracks, but who cares?
Here is the joy of a creative composer working with a Rolls Royce of a choir
that is simply marvellous to hear and questions of originality are irrelevant.
Let's hope the classical radio stations don't play this disc to death!
Would you like to see more reviews about this item?
›
Go to Amazon.com to see all 3 reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Were these reviews helpful?
Let us know
Customer Discussions
|
This product's forum
Active discussions in related forums
Search Customer Discussions
|
Related forums
|
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Listmania!
Feedback
- Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
