There's much more light and shade in the second instalment of Dutch label Challenge Classics MacMillan series, with the composer conducting. The energetic early Tryst for orchestra, an impressive, eclectic piece which announced MacMillan as an important new arrival back in 1989, shares the programme with three choral works: the Advent antiphon O, with its lonely, slow trumpet solo; the slow-burning Magnificat (1999), opening with almost other-worldly stillness and taking nearly 10 minutes to reach a plateau of climaxes; and the calmly flowing Nunc Dimittis (2001), decorated with quiet Messiaen-like flutterings of birdsong, before it explodes into bright colours. The orchestral sound is vivid, the choral contributions beautifully blended. challenge.nl