James MacMillan: Mairi

  
This beautiful unaccompanied work adapts the translated text of a Gaelic elegy by the 19th century poet Evan Maccoll. The words ‘She has gone’ dominate the piece and underline its sense of desolation. A mesmerizing, atmospheric work, which contrasts the stillness of slow-moving voices with bouts of frenetic activity and florid ornamentation.
(Duration: 11’)



Sumptuous 16-part a cappella setting of an elegy by Evan MacColl (1808–1898), English translation by James MacMillan from the Scottish Gaelic original: She has gone like the red clouds in the east at the break of day, scatter’d by the sun, envious of their beauty as it rises to darken them. Commissioned by the BBC in 1995 for the 70th anniversary of the BBC Singers. Suitable for advanced/professional standard choirs.