Composer

:

James MacMillan

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Anthem

Compose Date

:

1997

Average_duration

:

10:46

Màiri is a choral work composed by James MacMillan in 2006. It was premiered on August 12, 2006, at the Edinburgh International Festival by the Edinburgh Festival Chorus and the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, conducted by the composer himself. The work is divided into three movements, each of which is based on a traditional Scottish Gaelic song. The first movement, "Màiri nighean Alasdair," is a lullaby that tells the story of a mother singing to her child, asking her to sleep and dream of the beauty of the world. The second movement, "Oran na Maighdinn-mhara," is a song about a mermaid who falls in love with a mortal man and longs to be with him on land. The final movement, "Cumha MhicCriomain," is a lament for a lost love. MacMillan's use of traditional Gaelic songs in Màiri is characteristic of his interest in incorporating Scottish culture and history into his compositions. The work also showcases his skill in writing for choir and orchestra, with lush harmonies and intricate textures that highlight the beauty of the Gaelic language. Overall, Màiri is a moving and evocative work that pays tribute to the rich musical heritage of Scotland while also showcasing MacMillan's unique compositional voice.

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