III. Water

MacMillan's Easter triptych 'Triduum' consists of three parts: 'The World's Ransoming for cor anglais and orchestra', the 'Concerto for Cello and Orchestra' and the 'Symphony Vigil'. MacMillan allows the three works to be performed separately.
The 'Symphony Vigil' moves from images of suffering and death to those of rebirth and transcendent affirmation. Features a prominent role for brass quintet (here the Fine Arts Brass Ensemble), whose members are initially offstage, but later deploy themselves around the performance space. Violins are withheld from the orchestra until the last of the three movements.
BBC Music Magazine: Pick of the Month. Penguin Guide 3 stars, outstanding. Klassik Heute 10/10/10, highest rating. Classical Net: 'Fiercely recommended, and essential for anyone concerned about contemporary classical music'.