Composer

:

James MacMillan

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Orchestral

Average_duration

:

16:05

'Í (A Meditation on Iona)' is a choral work composed by James MacMillan in 2016. It was premiered on August 20, 2016, at the Iona Abbey in Scotland, as part of the Sound of Iona Festival. The work is divided into three movements, each of which reflects a different aspect of the island of Iona. The first movement, titled "The Call", is a setting of the ancient Irish poem "St. Patrick's Breastplate". The music is characterized by a sense of urgency and restlessness, reflecting the idea of a call to action. The choir sings in unison, with occasional harmonies and dissonances, creating a sense of tension and release. The second movement, titled "The Journey", is a setting of the Gaelic poem "An Ataireachd Ard" (The Surge of the Sea). The music is characterized by a sense of motion and fluidity, reflecting the idea of a journey across the sea. The choir sings in a flowing, melismatic style, with overlapping phrases and shifting harmonies, creating a sense of movement and progression. The third movement, titled "The Arrival", is a setting of the Latin hymn "Veni Creator Spiritus" (Come, Creator Spirit). The music is characterized by a sense of peace and resolution, reflecting the idea of arrival at a sacred place. The choir sings in a homophonic style, with rich harmonies and a sense of stillness, creating a sense of calm and contemplation. Overall, 'Í (A Meditation on Iona)' is a deeply spiritual work that reflects the unique character of the island of Iona. The music is characterized by a sense of urgency, motion, and peace, reflecting the journey of the soul towards a sacred destination.

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