Cecilia McDowall

One of Chilcott's earliest compositions, The Modern Man I Sing is a setting of poems by Walt Whitman. A recording of the work by the BBC Singers is featured on the Signum Classics CD SIGCD100.

This gentle, reflective piece, originally from Three Children's Songs, has been arranged for a mixed choir and is perfect for a spring concert. Offprinted from Vaughan Williams for Choirs 2.

This celebratory anthem sets Psalm 100 'O be joyful in the Lord' and uses organ flourishes, dancing vocal melodies, and lively articulation to emphasize the exultant message of the text. Jubilate Deo...

With specially written poems by Kãrlis Verdinš based on the Adonis chapters from Frazer's The Golden Bough, each song in this little cycle explores a single Affekt.

This anthem sets a descriptive passage by Milton that sees the poet ask for guidance as he enters the 'studious Cloysters pale'. Jackson sets the words sensitively, building to a glorious climax on 'A...

This popular Christmas carol includes German as well as optional English lyrics. Orchestral scores and parts are also available. Offprinted from the collection Twelve Christmas Carols Set 1.

This is the first published edition of an anthem by Henry Walford Davies that dates from the mid 1890s. Scored for lower voices, AATTBB, it is a setting of an anonymous text from 1836 that is suitable...

This slightly sombre setting of five poems is homophonic, giving the impression of a single vocal line. The very close harmony throughout conveys a sense of restraint and a longing to escape from the...

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 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...