'The Altar Fire' (Armenian Liturgy), trans. Olive Wyon (E)
Abbreviations (PDF)
Boosey & Hawkes
Choral level of difficulty: 2 (5 greatest)
This anthem was a commission from Chichester Cathedral for the Southern Cathedrals Festival in 2013 and sets a section of The Altar Fire from the Armenian Liturgy translated by Olive Wyon. It is a beautiful text to which MacMillan responds with his usual sensitivity. The organ part is straightforwardly supportive with long held, quiet chords for the first 35 bars and then begins to play a more substantial and colourful role. The work ends with a strongly energetic page for solo organ.
Chorally, the work is not difficult though it has occasional issues which choirs will need to focus on, some of which are rhythmical, and some concern the accurate and tidy realization of MacMillan’s habitual ornamentation. It is a piece which draws you in from the start with its chant-like melodic lines and changing textures as it proceeds. There are plentiful Alleluias which makes me wonder if he has set that word more times than any other composer!
Repertoire Note by Paul Spicer