Williamson, Malcolm (1931-) - Love's Redeeming Work
is Done, for Soprano, Chorus & Orchestra
The Sydney-born
Malcolm Williamson has been a lifelong champion of Australian aboriginal
culture, so it seems strange that he'd left Australia and settled in England
by the age of 21. As a “serious” musician in the Fifties, this must have
been a career move. However, being a composer of basically tonal and approachable
music, immigration without benefit of inoculation to a Europe terminally
infected by Total Serialism was perhaps rather rash, as witness the relative
neglect he's since suffered.
His dedication
to other minority causes, including the disabled (not always as fashionable
as now), probably reflects his profound yet practical religious beliefs,
which have also prompted numerous sacred compositions. Love's Redeeming
Work is Done is a fine example. Effectively, it marries hymn with classical
“ornamental” variation form - that's one marriage made in heaven.
The gorgeous tune is consistently presented in “standard” verse/refrain
layout allowing congregations to readily join in (feel free!), while embellished
with a captivating array of descants and discreet accompaniments which
make it an exquisitely disarming concert work.
.
© Paul Serotsky
29, Carr Street,
Kamo,
Whangarei 0101,
Northland,
New Zealand
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