MacMillan, James: Success (2006) 2'

for SATB chorus a cappella

Music Text  
Bessie Stanley (E)

Repertoire Note  
Choral level of difficulty: Level 1 (5 greatest)

This straightforward piece dedicated to Helen Millar on her 75th birthday was written as a tribute to a close friend of the composer. It is a text of appreciation of someone wonderful, intended to cross the generations. A list of attributes concludes “This is to have succeeded” which is repeated four times at the end starting fortissimo, reducing to piano and growing to the final fortissimo phrase. MacMillan is full of surprises. Who would have thought that a setting of these words would feature in his oeuvre? But on reflection, this is precisely what his faith and obvious humanity leads him to celebrate. The music here is easy, and so anyone can present this piece in honour of someone they love, respect or simply appreciate.

Repertoire note by Paul Spicer

Press Quotes  
"This is an eminently singable and attractive setting, and the closing reiterations of 'this is to have succeeded' are very moving indeed."
Organists' Review

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