MacMillan's Christmas Oratorio is a bewilderingly beautiful work that defies genre conventions. The Scottish composer's 21st-century take on the festive classic eschews reverence for JS Bach's 1734 version, instead embracing a kaleidoscopic array of musical styles and textures.
The BBC Symphony Chorus, conducted by the composer himself, struggled to find its footing at times, but ultimately shone in the quieter, more atmospheric passages. The upper voices' unfolding of "O magnum mysterium" was particularly enchanting, with the soloists trading nuanced phrases that conjured a sense of intimacy and wonder.
Tenor Roderick Williams and soprano Rhian Lois proved a potent pair, their contrasting timbres finding a perfect balance in MacMillan's choral writing. Williams' baritone brought a rich narrative depth to his aria, while Lois's soprano added a luminescent sheen to the larger ensembles.
The BBC Symphony Orchestra provided a thrilling counterpoint to the vocal soloists, delivering flashes of brilliance that left the audience gasping in amazement. From the chiming harp to the icy string tremolo, every instrument was drawn into MacMillan's vision with infectious enthusiasm.
If there's one area where the work falls short, it's in its abrupt conclusion – a peculiarity that only serves to underscore the overall sense of fragmentation and experimentation that defines this Christmas Oratorio. Yet even this didn't seem to faze the large audience, who erupted into applause as soon as the final notes faded away.
In the end, MacMillan's Christmas Oratorio remains a work of profound beauty and complexity – a true masterpiece that rewards repeated listening and reflection. Its refusal to be tied down by traditional genre boundaries is both its greatest strength and most compelling weakness: a testament to the composer's unbridled creativity and his willingness to push the boundaries of what we expect from a choral work.
The BBC Symphony Chorus, conducted by the composer himself, struggled to find its footing at times, but ultimately shone in the quieter, more atmospheric passages. The upper voices' unfolding of "O magnum mysterium" was particularly enchanting, with the soloists trading nuanced phrases that conjured a sense of intimacy and wonder.
Tenor Roderick Williams and soprano Rhian Lois proved a potent pair, their contrasting timbres finding a perfect balance in MacMillan's choral writing. Williams' baritone brought a rich narrative depth to his aria, while Lois's soprano added a luminescent sheen to the larger ensembles.
The BBC Symphony Orchestra provided a thrilling counterpoint to the vocal soloists, delivering flashes of brilliance that left the audience gasping in amazement. From the chiming harp to the icy string tremolo, every instrument was drawn into MacMillan's vision with infectious enthusiasm.
If there's one area where the work falls short, it's in its abrupt conclusion – a peculiarity that only serves to underscore the overall sense of fragmentation and experimentation that defines this Christmas Oratorio. Yet even this didn't seem to faze the large audience, who erupted into applause as soon as the final notes faded away.
In the end, MacMillan's Christmas Oratorio remains a work of profound beauty and complexity – a true masterpiece that rewards repeated listening and reflection. Its refusal to be tied down by traditional genre boundaries is both its greatest strength and most compelling weakness: a testament to the composer's unbridled creativity and his willingness to push the boundaries of what we expect from a choral work.
I was kinda meh about the ending, but overall it was super lovely! 
MacMillan's got this crazy cool vibe going on and I love how he blends all these styles together - it's like nothing you've ever heard before! 
The soloists were on point, especially Roderick Williams' baritone was so emotive 
. And the orchestra, man... they're like a whole different world up there 
. I'm defo gonna give this one another listen to see if it grows on me more 
The BBC Symphony Chorus sounds like it was struggling at times, like they were just phoning it in 
. And don't even get me started on the abrupt ending – what's up with that? It's like the composer just couldn't be bothered to tie everything together neatly 
. I mean, I've heard some weird and wonderful things in my time, but this... *shrugs* Maybe I'm just not getting it 
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It feels so modern, yet still has that classic feel that makes you think of all those old Christmas carols.
I was there live! 
The energy in the hall was electric, and when that music started playing it felt like you were transported to another world 
. The soloists really stood out for me - Roderick Williams' baritone is insane 
. This Christmas Oratorio needs to be listened to ASAP... trust me, you won't regret it 
especially that part with the harp and strings - it sounded like angels singing from above 
. And can we talk about the vocalist Roderick Williams for a sec? His voice is seriously stunning, he's got this rich baritone sound that just drew you in 
. And that ending? Abrupt, but not in a bad way... more like "aha, we're done now!" 
. Anyways, I'm hooked on this music now and I need to listen to it again ASAP 
.
and those soloists? wow, tenor and soprano were on point 
i mean, every instrument had its moment to shine and it was so cool to see them all come together in this big symphonic sound 
& their voices just complemented each other so perfectly! 
. I loved how the chorus came together in those quieter moments - it was like magic 
. I get that it's all about pushing boundaries and experimenting, but sometimes you want a nice, neat bow on the end of the song 
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I just listened to this MacMillan Christmas Oratorio and it's LIFE.CHANGING 
. I love how the upper voices shine in those quieter moments - it's like they're having a secret conversation with each other 
. And Roderick Williams' baritone is SO emotive, I felt all the feels every time he sang 
.
. And that abrupt ending? Um, yeah... it's a bit jarring, but it just adds to the overall vibe of experimentation and pushing boundaries.
. It's all about embracing the complexity and beauty of life, you know? So go listen to MacMillan's Christmas Oratorio and let its magic work its way into your heart 
!
But at the same time, it still feels super grounded and accessible, even for those who aren't typically into choral music 
. Still, overall, it's an absolute masterpiece 
!
I mean, don't get me wrong, MacMillan's Christmas Oratorio is some next-level stuff - that upper voice part in "O magnum mysterium" gives me chills every time 
I'll give MacMillan credit, though: this thing is definitely growing on me with repeated listens... maybe I just need to give it another spin 
.