MacMillan: Seven Last Words from the Cross - Choir and Organ

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*****
The two premiere recordings on this disc are the Te Deum and On the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin. The former is stunning, containing many of MacMillan's characteristics: beautiful contrapuntal lines often highly decorated, dramatic harmonic writing and blocks of sound from the organ. Thankfully this setting will rise above a limited liturgical use. The latter is a delicate, poignant work for five-part choir and organ that MacMillan, always sensitive to the text, does so well. Stephen Layton and Polyphony revisit the Seven Last Words to give this masterpiece a moving, introspective performance. Particular praise must be given to the sopranos, who are severely tested throughout and come through with flying colours.

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