MacMillan: The Confession of Isobel Gowdie, Tuireadh & The Exorcism of Rio Sumpúl

Dive into the profound and evocative world of James MacMillan's choral masterpiece with this captivating album, released in 2002. This collection features three monumental works that showcase MacMillan's unique compositional voice and his deep engagement with spiritual and historical themes. The album opens with "The Confession of Isobel Gowdie," a chilling and atmospheric piece inspired by the confessions of a 17th-century Scottish witch. This is followed by "Tuireadh," a hauntingly beautiful lament that pays tribute to the traditional Scottish bagpipe music. The album concludes with "The Exorcism of Rio Sumpúl," a powerful and dramatic work that unfolds in three movements: "Assault," "Reflection," and "Exorcism." This piece, originally scored for a large ensemble, is a gripping exploration of struggle, introspection, and ultimate triumph. Conducted by the esteemed Osmo Vänskä and performed by the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, this album is a testament to MacMillan's ability to blend contemporary classical techniques with deep spiritual and cultural resonances. With a running time of just over an hour, this album is a compelling journey through some of MacMillan's most significant and moving compositions.