James MacMillan - James MacMillan: Symphony No. 5 "Le grand Inconnu" & The Sun Danced (LP)

James MacMillan's "Symphony No. 5 'Le grand Inconnu' & The Sun Danced" is a captivating exploration of choral and orchestral music, released on April 3, 2020, under the CORO label. This album showcases MacMillan's mastery of composition, blending profound spiritual themes with stirring musical expressions.

The centerpiece of the album is MacMillan's fifth symphony, "Le grand Inconnu," a work commissioned by the Genesis Foundation for Harry Christophers and The Sixteen. Inspired by the French phrase for the Holy Spirit, the symphony is a profound and evocative journey through three movements: "Ruah," "Zao," and "Igne vel igne." Each movement offers a unique sonic landscape, ranging from the literal to the abstract, and lasting approximately 50 minutes in total.

Complementing the symphony is "The Sun Danced," a 2016 work that adds another layer of depth to the album. This piece, along with the symphony, is performed by the renowned Britten Sinfonia and The Sixteen, conducted by Harry Christophers, with James MacMillan himself at the helm.

With a total runtime of 1 hour and 18 minutes, this album is a testament to MacMillan's ability to create music that resonates on both an intellectual and emotional level. Whether you're a longtime fan of choral music or a newcomer looking to explore the genre, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience.