Déjà Review: this review was first published in January 2003 and the recording is still available.
Kiss on Wood
James MacMillan (b. 1959)
Contents listed after review
Raphael Wallfisch (cello) ¹ , John York (piano) ²
Members of The Nash Ensemble ³
rec. 2000, Angel Studio 1, London (Fourteen Little Pictures); Gateway Studio, Kingston School of Music, London (Angel, Lumen Christi, Cecilian Variation) and Champs Hill, Pulborough, UK (Cello Sonata, Kiss on Wood),
Black Box BBM 1008 [63]
Fourteen Little Pictures for piano trio and the Cello Sonata No 1 are the most ambitious works in this cross-selection of MacMillan’s recent chamber music, at least up to 1999. He has composed a Cello Sonata No 2 as well as several other short chamber pieces in the meantime.
A commission from the BBC to mark the 25th anniversary of the trio founded by Peter Frankl, György Pauk and Ralph Kirschbaum, Fourteen Little Pictures is actually much more than a mere suite of short, contrasted episodes. Actually, MacMillan tightly organised his material which, in spite of huge dynamic or emotional contrasts, is based on numerous linking elements strengthening the overall structure of this single movement piece playing for more than twenty minutes. This is a major work in the composer’s output, in spite of its rather deceptive, diminutive title and members of The Nash Ensemble deliver a wonderful reading. The music’s emotional palette often draws on extremes, ranging from utter, almost folk-like simplicity to unbridled ferocity. The composer nevertheless keeps the whole proceeding under tight control and demonstrates once again his formal mastery in developing long-term structures.
Much of the same can be said of the Cello Sonata No 1 although, on the whole, it is a much more complex and intricate piece, as well as emotionally more elusive. Once again, the music runs the full gamut of MacMillan’s expressive palette, in which jigs and folk rhythms make fleeting appearances. They are typically confronted with or opposed to more abrasive outbursts, sometimes almost unreconcilably so, as in the first movement when the cello’s sorrowful song is counterpointed by a lively Jig heard from afar, as in a dream. This episode is briefly restated at the close of the second movement. Superbly played by Raphael Wallfisch and John York, who have a long working association with MacMillan
Kiss on Wood was originally written for violin and piano, and the present arrangement for cello and piano was made by the composer for Raphael Wallfisch. It is a paraphrase on a Good Friday versicle sung when the Cross is slowly unveiled and before the people are invited to kiss the wood of the Cross. A most moving short work, representative of MacMillan’s religious concerns often at the heart of his music. Again, very well played by Raphael Wallfisch and John York.
Three short miniatures for piano, movingly played by John York, complete this comprehensive survey of MacMillan’s chamber music. Warmly recommended.
Hubert Culot
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Contents:
Fourteen Little Pictures (1997) ³
Angel (1993) ²
Lumen Christi (1997) ²
Cello Sonata No 1 (1999) ¹ ²
A Cecilian Variation for JFK (1991) ²
Kiss on Wood (1993) ¹ ²
Members of The Nash Ensemble:
Ian Brown (piano), Marianne Thorsen (violin), Paul Watkins (cello)
