Cecilia McDowall

This piece originates from a cycle of songs for mixed voices entitled A Garland for the Queen; a collection of pieces by ten British composers to mark the occasion of the Coronation of H.M. Queen Eliz...

This still and reflective motet was written and first performed for the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, and is suitable for many festive occasions such as weddings and All Saints' Day. Offprinted fr...

Inspired by a 16th-century Scots text, Jackson has composed a memorable carol full of character and beauty. The choir is serenaded throughout by the organ, which imitates the haunting qualities of the...

Composed in 1941, this is the first publication of this work.

This joyful carol sets a text by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. The piece opens with an imitation of bells spread across the voices, and this festive, celebratory quality is maintained throughout. Simple...

This appealing motet for SATB choir and organ accompaniment was written in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.

This dazzling work presents an exploration of light in its many forms and uses, from starlight and sunlight to electricity, photosynthesis, or guiding ships to safety. Both piano and voices are used p...

From the collection As you sing, 'Now is the time' is a secular concert work by Cecilia McDowall, scored for upper voices with piano. Setting inspirational words by Marie Curie, this optimistic piece...

This simple, well-crafted motet is bright, optimistic, and compelling. Skempton employs artful homophony and sensitive word-setting, and the repetitions of the opening refrain build towards an effecti...

This expressive setting of text from Much Ado About Nothing showcases skilful word painting throughout, while poignant melodies are contrasted with uplifting passages to tell the stirring story of hea...

The three-movement Music of the Stars offers an enlightening commentary on music's power to console and uplift in challenging times. Characterful string writing accompanies engaging vocal lines, with...

The harmonic beauty and expressive lines found in this motet emulate the devout text of the ever-popular Eucharistic hymn O sacrum convivium.

This carol (in E major) is also available in Carols for Choirs 2, and 12 Christmas Carols Set 1. The orchestral and brass accompaniments are available on hire. A different arrangement (in E flat major...

Setting vivid poems by Kate Wakeling, this work is a powerful exploration of the theme of ice. The lively first movement depicts the bustling frost fairs of 1684, with repeated patterns imitating the...

Euvre en trois mouvements, avec un solo de soprano dans le deuxième mouvement Explore les thèmes du chagrin, de la perte et de l'espoir d'un avenir meilleur Textes de Sarojini Naidu et Seán Street Ré...

In this poignant three-movement work, McDowall sets texts by Indian political activist and poet Sarojini Naidu and frequent collaborator Seán Street. With the exquisite beauty of birdsong at its heart...

This anthem sets lines from Psalm 139, 1 Thessalonians, and 1 John, moving from an unsettled tonality at the beginning, through anguished false relations and wistful expressivity, to find triumphant r...

These beautiful motets provide inspiring new repertoire for choirs. Locus iste is rhythmic and uplifting; Ave Virgo sanctissima is a gentle setting of a Spanish antiphon, full of sumptuous harmonies;...

This richly expressive cantata sets five discrete texts, each reflecting a different aspect of Christmastide. The first movement sets a poem by Tennyson to an instantly memorable, eager melody. 'Good...

McDowall's Candlemas is a celebratory and powerful piece. Making use of choral divisions and suspensions and a dynamic organ part, this setting of Denise Levertov's text (on the Presentation of Jesus...

The 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 piece. At times quietly meditative, C...

From the collection Anthems for SA and Men, 'Bless to me this day' is a tranquil piece by Cecilia McDowall scored for SA & men with piano/organ. The text is 'The Journey Prayer' from the Celtic compen...

This lively carol is fast and fleeting, propelled forward by a constantly shifting metre and a characterful accompaniment. It may be sung in English or to the Latin text taken from Piae Cantiones. It...