Composer

:

James MacMillan

Genre

:

Orchestral

Compose Date

:

2012

Average_duration

:

4:49

'One' is a choral work composed by James MacMillan in 2011. It was premiered on October 21, 2011, by the National Youth Choir of Scotland and the Scottish Chamber Orchestra at the Usher Hall in Edinburgh, Scotland. The piece is divided into three movements and has a total duration of approximately 25 minutes. The first movement, titled "The Sun Danced," is based on the Miracle of the Sun, which occurred in Fatima, Portugal, in 1917. The movement begins with a solo soprano singing a Latin text, which is then taken up by the choir. The music is characterized by a sense of urgency and excitement, with the choir and orchestra building to a climactic moment that represents the sun's dance in the sky. The second movement, "The Tree of Life," is a setting of a poem by the Scottish poet Edwin Morgan. The music is more contemplative and introspective than the first movement, with the choir singing in unison and the orchestra providing a gentle accompaniment. The movement explores themes of life, death, and rebirth, with the choir and orchestra gradually building to a powerful climax. The final movement, "The White Dawn," is based on a traditional Gaelic song. The music is characterized by a sense of joy and celebration, with the choir and orchestra performing in a lively and energetic manner. The movement features a solo soprano and a solo violin, who engage in a playful dialogue before the choir and orchestra join in for the final section. Overall, 'One' is a powerful and moving work that showcases MacMillan's skill as a composer. The piece combines elements of traditional choral music with contemporary techniques, creating a unique and compelling sound that is both accessible and challenging. The work is a testament to the power of music to inspire and uplift, and it remains a popular choice for choirs and orchestras around the world.

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