O magnum mysterium

ISBN-13: 9780193550926 / Angielski

James Whitbourn

Opis

for treble solo and SATB unaccompanied This atmospheric carol sets the well-known 'O magnum mysterium' text in the version famously used by Victoria, with its tender, devotional additions. Set in four parts, the work unfolds simply, from stillness and silence, in awe and contemplation. The choral writing is effectively punctuated with a high solo voice singing phrases that call to mind fragments of the plainsong chant on the same text, appointed as a Responsary for Christmas Day.

Recenzje

For those with a strong choir and a fine treble soloist, James Whitbourn's O magnum mysterium will be a great find. The atmospheric piece grows from stillness and develops with moments when the choir are joined by the high solo voice, singing in the style of plainsong chant on the text, almost in an echo-like way. This is a beautiful, highly distinctive composition.

O autorze

After graduating from Magdalen College Oxford, James Whitbourn started his career in broadcasting, composing many works for the BBC. Annelies, the setting of The Diary of Anne Frank, is among the most performed large-scale choral works of the twenty-first century. Other scores reflect his eclectic interests, from a planetary portrait of C. S. Lewis (The Seven Heavens) to a portrayal of Ada Lovelace, a Carnatic-influenced work for dance (Luminosity) and a narrative work on the NASA Apollo missions. He has written for several national occasions, including a D-Day anniversary and the Queen Mother's funeral. Among the renowned ensembles who have recorded his music are the choirs of King's College, Cambridge, Magdalen College, Oxford, Clare College, Cambridge, and Wells Cathedral. James Whitbourn is also an award-winning conductor who, as a member of Oxford University's music faculty, directs the university's choral summer courses.