Search - James [2] MacMillan, James MacMillan, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra :: James Macmillan: A Scotch Bestiary; Piano Concerto No. 2

Wow!

David C. Green | Suwanee, GA USA | 06/02/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I first heard of James MacMillan when I was looking for his "The World's Ransoming" on CD. As I looked on the Boosey & Hawkes website to see what other music was to his credit, I came across this quite unique concerto. I was even more excited when I found that there was a CD recording of the work. The work is very lively and extremely entertaining from start to finish. Each section is very different from the rest, as the organ and orchestra combine in rather unique sounds. Also, the fun percussive sound of, get this, TYPEWRITERS is quite humorous and neat. The only sad thing is that this was not recorded using the Disney Hall organ in Los Angeles, for which the piece was written and on which it was premiered. Other than that, it is glorious. The piano concerto that is also on the disc is also neat, though it pales in comparison to the organ work. Wayne Marshall is a fantastic soloist for both works, and MacMillan himself conducts the orchestra well. This will be a fun recording to have in your collection."