Cappella Nova - Alpha & Omega - Classical CD Review

Choral music continues to be of major importance in MacMillan's vast output, and on this superb Linn disk we have more of it, none duplicating what was on the earlier issue. We have premiere recordings of all works listed except Missa Dunelmi and Invocation. Macmillan had a long association with this splendid chorus, and he conducts Missa. The composer's intricate ensemble writing is beautifully performed by the superb chorus, and the engineering richly captures the warm resonance of Church of the Holy Rule, Sterling, UK recorded in November 2012. Performers are in front, but rear speakers provide a warm acoustic perfect for the music. An unusual work is Domine non secundum peccota nostra, a setting of the Tract for Ash Wednesday commissioned by the Master and Fellows of St. John's College, Cambridge, to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the founding of the college. This features a solo violin representing a wordless commentary on the text; this is beautifully played by Madeleine Mitchell. Complete texts are provided.