MacMillan's St John Passion

[organist]

I was privileged to be at the world premiere of James MacMillan's new work at the Barbican on Sunday. This is a great work - moving and thrilling. The chorus were excellent and Christopher Maltman forthright as Christus. he had to sing against brass and bells at times. It was a master stroke to have him sing the reproaches in the second half. The narrating chorus were wonderfully clear and I liked the choral sections at the end of each movement. In the final orchestral section the cello "Tristan" theme met the Sanctus from the St Anne's Mass on the horns and all ended in the minor with a feeling of drama and completion. Look out for the recording from the LSO!

[musicus]

I'm jealous - I wish I could have been there. Is the recording imminent?

[organist]

Ooh Mr Bear jealousy is a sin! LSO LIve was mentioned in the programme as recording the performance so don't hold your breath - probably take a few months to come out. Reviews were good!

[musicus]

Well, the work got a very poor review in today's Guardian: two stars out of five. The reviewer was especially upset that MacMillan has chosen to set the Reproaches, which he (the reviewer) considers anti-Semitic. That'll teach us to adhere to the words of the Liturgy!

[Dot]

Boosey and Hawkes are now advertising a live recording http://www.boosey.com/shop/prod/MacMillan-James-St-John-Passion-LSO-LIVE-Audio-CD-2x-SACD-set/1000389

[musicus]

Thank you, Dot. You can also download this from the iTunes Store for £9.48, which won't sound too bad at all at the new higher resolution iTunes Plus. And, I just received a £10 iTunes Card for my birthday! (21, before you ask.)

[Dot]

21 - is that in bear years, and do bears live a really, really long time?

[organist]

Hush hush news! Good Friday 2010 there may be a performance of the Passion in King's college chapel, Cambridge. Watch this space!