Legendary pop star Paul McCartney has sold untold millions of albums with The Beatles and Wings, as well as in his prolific solo career. Though he's dabbled in classical music before, Ecce Cor Meum marks one of his most conceptually and logistically audacious projects: a work written in the style of sacred English choral music, a tradition dating back 500 years. On Nov. 14, NPR.org — in collaboration with member station WNYC — featured a live webcast of the only U.S. performance of Ecce Cor Meum, taking place at New York's Carnegie Hall.
A piece of spiritual music, written in part right after the passing of his wife Linda, Ecce Cor Meum is the first piece of choral music McCartney has written to include a children's chorus. Hosted by NPR's Fred Child and WNYC's John Schaefer, the special included an interview with McCartney during intermission.
Audio for this performance has been removed in accordance with artist agreement; listen to the intermission interview with Paul McCartney.
The Program
I. McCartney songs performed in classical style
"My Love" — featuring Kate Royal and the Loma Mar Quartet
"Warm and Beautiful" — featuring Kate Royal and the Loma Mar Quartet
"Calico Skies" — featuring Kate Royal, Andy Staples and the Loma Mar Quartet
"Golden Earth Girl" — featuring Andy Staples and the Loma Mar Quartet
"Some Days" - featuring Andy Staples and the Loma Mar Quartet
"Junk" - featuring Kate Royal, Andy Staples and the Loma Mar Quartet
II. Classical pieces by McCartney
"Nova" — performed by the small Chamber Orchestra
"The World You're Coming Into" — featuring Kate Royal
"Ghost Suite" — featuring Kate Royal and Andy Staples
"Celebration" — featuring Kate Royal and Andy Staples
Intermission, featuring an interview with McCartney
III. American premiere of Paul McCartney's Ecce Cor Meum
Gavin Greenaway, conductor
Kate Royal, soprano
Orchestra of St. Luke's
Concert Chorale of New York
American Boychoir
Colm Carey, organ
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