Composer

:

James MacMillan

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1989

Average_duration

:

22:24

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

Cantos Sagrados is a choral work composed by James MacMillan in 1989. It was premiered on 22nd October 1989 at St. John's Smith Square in London by the BBC Singers and the Endymion Ensemble, conducted by James MacMillan himself. The work is divided into five movements, each of which is based on a sacred text. The first movement, "Factus est repente," is based on the text from the Book of Acts and is a dramatic setting of the story of the descent of the Holy Spirit on the apostles. The music is characterized by its rhythmic energy and the use of dissonant harmonies. The second movement, "O Radiant Dawn," is a setting of a text from the Book of Isaiah. The music is characterized by its soaring melodies and lush harmonies, which evoke the image of the rising sun. The third movement, "The Lamb has come for us from the House of David," is a setting of a text from the Book of Revelation. The music is characterized by its use of chant-like melodies and modal harmonies, which give it a timeless quality. The fourth movement, "I am the Light of the World," is a setting of a text from the Gospel of John. The music is characterized by its use of repetitive rhythms and harmonies, which create a sense of hypnotic intensity. The final movement, "Alleluia," is a setting of the traditional Latin text. The music is characterized by its joyful energy and exuberant rhythms, which build to a triumphant climax. Overall, Cantos Sagrados is a powerful and deeply spiritual work that showcases James MacMillan's mastery of choral writing. The music is characterized by its use of rich harmonies, rhythmic energy, and soaring melodies, which combine to create a sense of awe and wonder.

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