Search - James [2] MacMillan, Jukka-Pekka Saraste, Scottish Chamber Orchestra :: MacMillan: Veni, Veni Emmanuel

Fascinatin' Rhythm

Michael J. Ludvik | Ocala, FL USA | 03/16/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This can be difficult listening, but just when you feel like giving up the composer changes the music so dramatically you are pulled back in. This music is ever changing, ever evolving, constantly exploring new combinations of sounds, textures, rhythms, instruments.



And I have no earthly or spritual notion what the reviewer is talking about when he claims that Christian music has its own sound. That is utter nonsense. And MacMillan's music strains toward some abstract or spiritual meaning but it is not some vague hogwash related to Christian "sounds" whatever those are.



I suggest adventurous listeners give this music a chance; I further suggest they give philsophizing or theologizing a rest. There are strange and beautiful and occasionally harsh landscapes in his music and the effort to explore and experience them is well worth it in my view."