The Strathclyde Motets

Roman Breviary, John 20: 27 (L)

Choral level of difficulty: Level 2 (5 greatest)

In writing the Strathclyde Motets for the University of Strathclyde Chamber Choir 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.

MacMillan himself described the mood of these pieces as ‘having a kind of suspended animation about them.’ Mitte manum tuam has that timeless beauty which connects it with a distant musical past through the chant-like opening bass melody, the later floating triads, and the haunting alleluia. This is a special, atmospheric piece which will move singers and audiences alike.

Repertoire note by Paul Spicer