O magnum mysterium , |
O great mystery |
et admirabile sacramentum , |
and wonderful sacrament |
ut animalia viderent Dominum natum , |
that even the animals saw the new-born Lord |
jacentem in praesepio ! |
lying in a manger . |
Beata Virgo , cujus viscera |
Blessed is the Virgin whose womb |
meruerunt portare |
was worthy to bear |
Dominum Christum . |
Christ the Lord . |
Alleluia . |
Alleluia . |
A New Song
James MacMillan ( b . 1959 )
Programme notes by Heath Lees
James MacMillan ( make that , as of this year , Sir James MacMillan ) is one of today ’ s most-performed composers — a condition much aided by his huge gifts as a conductor . His agents , Intermusica , describe his musical language as “ flooded with influences from his Scottish heritage , Catholic faith , social conscience and close connection with Celtic folk music , blended with influences from Far Eastern , Scandinavian and Eastern European music .”
It ’ s the Scottish heritage that comes uppermost in A New Song , which he composed in 1997 , partly as a commission for a church in Glasgow , and partly to celebrate his father ’ s 70th birthday . The piece lasts for about six minutes .
Unlike Chris Artley ’ s language of full chords and smooth progressions , MacMillan weaves a contrapuntal tapestry out of wiry melodies that glory in the grace-note decorations of bagpipe music ( even with some bass drones ), and alternate with ancient tunes that seem to blend Gregorian chant with far-away Highland folk melody . At the end , the organ contributions flower out into a majestic postlude .
Copyright © Heath Lees 2016
O sing unto the Lord a new song Sing unto the Lord , all the whole earth . Sing unto the Lord , and praise His Name Be telling of His salvation from day to day . For He cometh , for He cometh to judge the earth And with righteousness to judge the world , and the people with His truth .
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