for SATB and harp or piano This delightful work brings together arrangements of four folksongs: 'Green Bushes', 'The Rambling Sailor', 'The Crystal Spring', and 'O, No John!'. A Fancy of Folksongs can be accompanied by piano or harp (harp part sold separately), and is sure to be an instant hit with all lovers of McDowall's music.
for SATB and harp or piano This delightful work brings together arrangements of four folksongs: 'Green Bushes', 'The Rambling Sailor', 'The Crystal Sp...
for soprano and piano or string orchestra Four Shakespeare Songs sets texts exploring different aspects of love. Using passages from A Midsummer's Night Dream, Hamlet, As You Like It, and Anthony and Cleopatra, McDowall's writing is beautiful and clever in how it reflects the moods and emotions of the various characters in the texts. An accompaniment for string orchestra is available on hire.
for soprano and piano or string orchestra Four Shakespeare Songs sets texts exploring different aspects of love. Using passages from A Midsummer's Nig...
For soprano solo, SATB choir, organ (or keyboard), and trumpet (optional) This joyful and richly expressive choral cantata is a setting of what is often thought of as a Thanksgiving psalm or a psalm in praise of Harvest time. From its atmospheric opening through to its upbeat ending, the work contrasts driving rhythms with quietly reflective passages for soprano solo. It can be performed with or without trumpet. Suitable for any celebratory occasion, Psalm 65 is a vibrant concert work and a great joy to sing.
For soprano solo, SATB choir, organ (or keyboard), and trumpet (optional) This joyful and richly expressive choral cantata is a setting of what is oft...
for baritone solo, SATB chorus, children's choir (or semi-chorus), and small orchestra (or piano/organ) McDowall's setting of the Stabat Mater has been described as 'an outstanding work of great solemnity and poignancy' (Tempo, 2013). The work comprises seven movements in a symmetrical structure-from the impassioned choral opening, through two intense yet diverse baritone solos and contemplative plainchant chorales, to the stately finale uniting all the voices. The optimistic central movement, in a major tonality, may be performed by children's choir or a semi-chorus of sopranos and altos...
for baritone solo, SATB chorus, children's choir (or semi-chorus), and small orchestra (or piano/organ) McDowall's setting of the Stabat Mater has be...
for SSATB and organ The plainsong hymn, Come, Holy Ghost, lies at the heart of Celestial Fire. Here McDowall has woven the exquisite poetry of Denise Levertov into this expressive and uplifting setting. At times quietly meditative, Celestial Fire unfolds to a most joyous, affirmative conclusion. Celestial Fire was commissioned as part of a trilogy suitable for significant occasions during the church calendar year by Oakham School; the two other Oakham anthems for organ and mixed chorus are Light Eternal and Candlemas.
for SSATB and organ The plainsong hymn, Come, Holy Ghost, lies at the heart of Celestial Fire. Here McDowall has woven the exquisite poetry of Denise ...
for SATB choir, brass quintet, organ and percussion This engaging 15-minute carol sequence combines several popular carols to create a festive performance full of Christmas spirit. Through creative re-harmonization, rhythmic variation, and imaginative linking passages, McDowall conjures up a joyful atmosphere, delighting with familiar and surprising material in equal measure. A rousing finale weaves together several of the tunes to bring the piece to a jubilant close.
for SATB choir, brass quintet, organ and percussion This engaging 15-minute carol sequence combines several popular carols to create a festive perform...
for SSATB and cello Night Flight was written to mark the centenary of Harriet Quimby's pioneering flight across the English channel. Setting texts by Sheila Bryer on the mysterious powers of the sea, earth, and air, McDowall uses vocal clusters and haunting solo cello lines to highlight the sense of fear, awe, and majesty experienced by an individual pitted against the elements. Cecilia McDowall was awarded the 2014 British Composer Award in the Choral category for Night Flight.
for SSATB and cello Night Flight was written to mark the centenary of Harriet Quimby's pioneering flight across the English channel. Setting texts by ...