MARBECKS COLLECTABLE: MacMillan: Tenebrae Responsories / Missa Brevis / Strathclyde Motets

The outstanding Scottish group gives a beautiful performance of three world premiere recordings of works by leading contemporary composer James MacMillan.

Originally released in 2007, 'MacMillan: Tenebrae' has been re-issued as part of Linn's ECHO series which offers a second chance to enjoy the best of the label's award-winning catalogue.

Tenebrae Responsories is scored for vocal octet and speaks to all of every faith and none, of the power of love and redemption through personal sacrifice. 'Tenebrae' is full of the instantly recognisable stylistic colours that are MacMillan hallmarks, such as his use of ornamentation, placed on rather than before the beat, in the style of the Celtic folk tradition.

Cappella Nova has enjoyed a twenty five year association with MacMillan - many premiere performances later, the choir has established an intuitive response to his work and a passion for his creativity which is clearly evident.

Both 'Tenebrae' and its follow up 'Who are these Angels?' were Gramophone 'Editor's Choice' albums; whilst the latest collaboration, 'Alpha & Omega', was named 'Choral & Song Choice' by BBC Music Magazine.

Cappella Nova is 'famous for its performances of contemporary music' (The Guardian), having commissioned and premiered more than 60 new works including James MacMillan's cantata for Holy Week Seven Last Words from the Cross (1994), which was the subject of seven short films for BBC2 TV.

MacMillan's international career was launched at the BBC proms in 1990 with The Confession of Isobel Gowdie. Since then his music has been programmed extensively at international music festivals.

Cappella Nova has an unrivalled reputation as champions of Scotland's unique treasury of early vocal music.

Highlights over the past thirty years include winning a Glenfiddich Living Scotland award for their groundbreaking performances of Scottish early music and performing in the presence of HM The Queen.