Views And Reviews: Love’s Redeeming Work Is Done
Paul Serotsky introduces us to a work by Malcolm Williamson which reflects the composer’s profound yet practical religious beliefs.
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Malcolm Williamson – “Love's Redeeming Work is Done”, for Soprano, Chorus and 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 into 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 it is 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, positively inviting congregations to 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
