MUSIC REVIEW: Sir Paul McCartney, Liverpool Cathedral

May 2 2008 by Peter Grant, Liverpool Daily Post

Sir Paul McCartney, at Liverpool Anglican Cathedral _320

SIR Paul McCartney made an emotional return to a place that once turned him down as choir boy. “I have to pinch myself ,” said Paul, sporting a dapper dark suit, pale blue tie and trademark veggie shoes at the sell-out Northern Charity Premiere of Ecce Cor Meum (Behold My Heart).

Moved by the standing ovation for his fourth classical work, he paid homage to his family, friends and, most of all, his home town.

“I’d like to thank my mum and dad for having me in Liverpool,” he said. “I love this city; I owe it so much,” he added, as members of the Culture Company, including Phil Redmond, applauded him.

He praised the “brilliant” Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, choristers and soloists.

The ex-Beatle, who calls himself the “Scruff from Speke”, spoke of how his audition for the Liverpool Cathedral choir was rejected.

“I didn’t get in but I’ve got my revenge,” he said with a smile.

And what sweet revenge it was.

This magnificent Oratorio, in four movements, is one of McCart-ney’s finest solo achievements.

Commissioned by the president of Magdalen College, Oxford, to commemorate the 550th anniver-sary of its foundation, its public debut was at the Sheldonian Theatre in the city of Dreaming Spires. Since then, it has been per-formed at The Albert Hall and the 2006 album recording was a UK Classical Brit Award winner.

Paul was inspired to write it by seeing a crucifix in New York with the words Ecce Cor Meum (Behold My Heart) written under-neath. That’s all the genius of Macca needs to get him going.

From the opening Spiritus to Gratia and the word-less Interlude (Lament) – a melancholy yet joy-ous celebration of his love for first wife Linda – there is the optimism of Musica and the title track.

Love is all we need is still the message in this deeply spiritual yet sparkling confession. All those years ago, that little lad didn’t get into the choir. With a little help from his friends, conductor Gavin Greenaway and the beautiful soprano of Kate Royal, James Paul McCartney passed the audition.

A wondrous performance.