グレース・ウィリアムズ: ミサ・カンブレンシス

ウェールズを代表する作曲家グレース・ウィリアムズ(1906-1977)の《ミサ・カンブレンシス》(1970)は、彼女の生涯を締めくくる壮大な合唱作品であり、ラテン語の典礼文にウェールズ語のテキストを融合させた独創的なミサ曲です。作品は完成の直前に癌で亡くなった友人の想い出に捧げられており、ソプラノ、アルト、テノール、バスの独唱者、混声合唱、少年合唱、オーケストラ(ピアノや各種打楽器を含む)、そして語り手という大規模編成のために作曲されています。ウェールズの民族的要素を取り入れつつ、宗教音楽としての深い感情表現を兼ね備えた彼女の最高傑作の記念すべき初レコーディングです。
東京エムプラス

This Missa Cambrensis was finished by Grace Williams in 1971. It was her last major work and has had some strong champions, but it went from its original performance through to 2016 without being heard again. Common to the three performances are the BBC National Orchestra & Chorus of Wales, although the soloists and conductor are different and seem here in touch with the spirit of the work. Williams wrote a good deal of music that, in line with the work of her teacher, Ralph Vaughan Williams, drew on folk music, in her case, that of her native Wales. Missa Cambrensis means "Welsh Mass," and one might expect a heavily Welsh-flavored setting of the mass text. In fact, the Welsh element doesnt get started until the Credo, where after "et homo factus est" comes the Welsh-language "Carol Nadolig" ("Christmas Carol"), composed by Williams some 15 years earlier. These take the place of much of the usual second half of the Credo; this is a concert work, not a liturgical one. It is a striking effect, balanced by a set of Beatitude readings, also in Welsh, from archbishop Rowan Williams. It seems odd to have a Welsh mass where the really Welsh parts are delayed until halfway through, but this may be the point, suggesting a layer of local music and language behind larger national styles. The four soloists emerge naturally from the chorus, and there is an overall feel here of musicians in tune with the material. This world-premiere recording is certainly recommended for anyone interested in Welsh music. ~ James Manheim