Album insights
MacMillan's choral music mainly emerged in the last decade of the 20th century, reflecting his deep-rooted Catholic faith. The Westminster Cathedral Mass, one of MacMillan's three settings, stands out as the only one designed for a professional choir. Other choral works by MacMillan, including Beatus Vir, exhibit religious themes.
The 1990s witnessed a surge in MacMillan's choral compositions, notably in works like Catherine’s Lullabies and Cantos Sagrados. His compositions such as Divo Aloysio Sacrum and Seven Last Words from the Cross demonstrate his profound connection to religious concepts. The grandiose sinfonia cantata Quickening, premiered in 1999 at the London Proms, showcased a significant choral role by the Westminster Cathedral Choir.
MacMillan acknowledges that his religious undertones may resonate with some while alienating others, emphasizing that a composer cannot work devoid of personal ideals. The essence of personal integrity exudes from MacMillan’s magnum opus, the Westminster Cathedral Mass.