Chris Forbes, Amazon
James MacMillan is fast becoming my favorite new composer. These two works are passionate, filled with moments of terror and moments of sublime poetry. Like many composers of the last decades, MacMillan's music is informed by his spirituality, in his case a deep devotion to the Catholic faith. But unlike the holy minimalists, Macmillan is not afraid to embrace the dark and the dissonant, but always with a clear dramatic intent. And there are also moments of almost heart-splitting beauty. The opening lament for the cor anglaise in the World's Ransoming in particular stands out. Though each of these pieces stands on it's own, taken together they are a journey into the darkest moments of the Christian year. If you are looking for a classical version of New Age Spirituality, look elsewhere. But if you want a deep and moving musical and spiritual experience, you can't do better that these works.
