The Sun Danced Symphony No. 5 'Le grand Inconnu': I. Ruah II. Zao III. Igne vel igne
Recorded live at the Barbican Hall, James MacMillan’s eagerly awaited new Symphony was commissioned by the Genesis Foundation for Harry Christophers and The Sixteen and is performed by them with Britten Sinfonia and Genesis Sixteen alongside the composer’s The Sun Danced.
Imagine a vision too wondrous for eyes alone – ‘the lady more brilliant than the sun’. ‘The lady’ is the Virgin Mary, and The Sun Danced is an ecstatic choral celebration of the Miracle of Fatima commissioned by the Shrine of Fatima for the celebration of the Centennial of the Apparitions in Portugal. Celebrated British soprano, Mary Bevan, features on this, the premiere recording.
It’s no secret that James MacMillan’s profound religious belief drives his creativity, but music this powerful conveys a universal message, and the title of his new symphony ‘Le grand Inconnu’ suggests many possible interpretations. Recorded at Barbican Hall, London, 14 October 2019