MacMillan, James: The Strathclyde Motets - Pascha nostrum immolatus est (Our passover is sacrificed) (2008) 3'
Communion motet for Easter Day, for SATB chorus a cappella
Music Text
Liturgical (L)
Abbreviations (PDF).
Territory
This work is available from Boosey & Hawkes for the world.
World Premiere
3/23/2008
St Columba's Church Maryhill, Glasgow
Strathclyde University Chamber Choir / Alan Tavener
Repertoire Note
Choral level of difficulty: Level 2 (5 greatest)
In writing the Strathclyde Motets MacMillan set out to write a series of communion motets of only moderate difficulty, which would be of real and lasting use for average church or concert choirs. Aware that much of his choral music to date could be too challenging for average use, these new motets provide a very welcome opportunity for almost any choir of reasonable attainment and ambition to sing some contemporary music of real value.
Pascha nostrum immolatus est is a joyful, celebratory motet for one of the church’s great Feasts. I sometimes wonder if James MacMillan has set the word ‘alleluia’ more than any other composer! Here, too, after the initial paean of praise, floating alleluias pass between all parts in a kind of spiritual ecstasy. A solo soprano furthers the idea of hovering angels a little later and of a sense of improvisation over a static accompaniment. Beautiful, timeless music.
Repertoire note by Paul Spicer
Recommended Recording
Cappella Nova / Alan Tavener
Linn Records CKD 383
Click here to purchase this CD from Amazon
Communion motet for Easter Day, for SATB chorus a cappella
Music Text
Liturgical (L)
Abbreviations (PDF).
Territory
This work is available from Boosey & Hawkes for the world.
World Premiere
3/23/2008
St Columba's Church Maryhill, Glasgow
Strathclyde University Chamber Choir / Alan Tavener
Repertoire Note
Choral level of difficulty: Level 2 (5 greatest)
In writing the Strathclyde Motets MacMillan set out to write a series of communion motets of only moderate difficulty, which would be of real and lasting use for average church or concert choirs. Aware that much of his choral music to date could be too challenging for average use, these new motets provide a very welcome opportunity for almost any choir of reasonable attainment and ambition to sing some contemporary music of real value.
Pascha nostrum immolatus est is a joyful, celebratory motet for one of the church’s great Feasts. I sometimes wonder if James MacMillan has set the word ‘alleluia’ more than any other composer! Here, too, after the initial paean of praise, floating alleluias pass between all parts in a kind of spiritual ecstasy. A solo soprano furthers the idea of hovering angels a little later and of a sense of improvisation over a static accompaniment. Beautiful, timeless music.
Repertoire note by Paul Spicer
Recommended Recording
Cappella Nova / Alan Tavener
Linn Records CKD 383
Click here to purchase this CD from Amazon
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