5th Century Latin hymn 'Aeterne rex altissime' (L)
Choral level of difficulty: 3 (5 greatest)
This short meditative motet was commissioned for the dedication service of the Millennium window by Sir Eduardo Paolozzi in the Resurrection Chapel of St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral, Edinburgh. It is in a style that will be familiar to MacMillan devotees. Basses with low Ds are required and reasonably fleet-footed singers whose sense of ensemble is good for the rhythmic elements of the melismatic phrases which characterize the piece. These almost improvisatory elements turn into actual improvisation in the second half where the altos, tenors and basses make their own, individual ways to an Alleluia (with a suggested template) whilst two soprano parts carry the text forward with notated parts. The whole work ends with rich chords that fade away to a single upper voice minor third.
Repertoire Note by Paul Spicer
