in angustiis was the original title of Haydn’s Mass in Time of War (Missa in Angustiis), which literally means ‘Mass in Time of Anguish’. I wrote two short pieces with this title after September 11, one for piano and one for an assortment of instruments (oboe, cello and voice). The piano piece is based on clusters and an old melody, L’homme armée - a song sung in the time of war. The music for the other soloists is like a melancholy reflection.
James MacMillan
This work can be performed in a variety of ways:
1. it can be performed as scored as a solo work;
2. alternatively, in angustiis... I (piano solo) may be performed simultaneously with any one of the versions of in angustiis... II (oboe or cello or soprano voice). In this case either performer may start, and the resting performer commences after an unspecified interval. The two players remain entirely uncoordinated throughout the performance.
Reproduction Rights
This programme note can be reproduced free of charge in concert programmes with a credit to the composer
