James MacMillan
Mourning glory
On Tuesday night I was at the world première of a motet by Sir James MacMillan and I don’t think…
Holy maximalism
The two most depressing words in contemporary classical music? That’s easy: holy minimalism. I know, I know. Lots of people…
Why this première felt important: James MacMillan’s Fifth Symphony reviewed
All symphonies were sacred symphonies, once. Haydn began each day’s composition with a prayer, and ended every score with the…
This concert proves it is time to take Michael Tippett seriously
In Oliver Soden’s new biography of Michael Tippett, he describes how Tippett wanted to open his Fourth Symphony with the…
Losing our religion
Sir James MacMillan’s European Requiem, performed at the Proms on Sunday, isn’t about Brexit. The composer had to make this…
Première league
This year the Proms are to stage 21 world premières and 11 European, UK or London premières. It is good…
Forward thinking
The award of a knighthood to the composer James MacMillan will have ruined last weekend for lots of unsavoury people:…
Farewell, ENO
It’s easy to forget what a mess of an art form opera once was. For its first 100 years it…
Theological warfare
How many battles have been fought over sacred music throughout history? The noise you make when you worship is a…
Diary
Hay-making was easy this year, and over in good time for a holiday. I am opposed to holidays, having worked…
