The Berserking Archive

MacMILLAN: Violin Concerto; Symphony No. 4 – Vadim Repin, v./Groote, voice/BBC Scottish Sym. Orch./ Donald Runnicles – Onyx Classics

by Audiophile Audition | Oct 24, 2016 | Classical CD Reviews

MacMillan’s style has evolved over the years and here are two of his best works! JAMES MacMILLAN: Violin Concerto; Symphony No. 4 – Vadim Repin, v./Groote, voice/BBC Scottish Sym. Orch./ Donald Runnicles – Onyx Classics ONYX 4157, [Distr. by HM/PIAS], 65:24, (10/28/16) ****: I have heard many works by Sir James MacMillan over the years, starting with his The Berserking and all of them are very creatively scored and quite interesting to listen to. It is also true that, for me, many of his early works were a bit of a ‘wild ride’ with ample dissonance and an almost paranoid or dark tone and an energy that seemed relentless at times. Much of MacMillan’s music over the years has addressed religious themes and utilized sacred text, in reflection of his devout Catholic faith and also in examining a wide range of social and political turmoil through his writing.   In recent years, MacMillan has written music with a broader appeal and a bit less message and implication behind the sound. I think the Violin Concerto comes across this way. Written for the present soloist, Vadim Repin, this concerto is a three-movement work that takes its cue from Scottish dance forms […]