Cecilia McDowall

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...

This choral arrangement of 'The blessed son of God' from the cantata Hodie is well suited for a Christmas concert or service. A piano accompaniment and short introduction have been added, and verse on...

Snow Angel is an evocative five-movement work exploring themes of love, rebirth, and beauty. It may be performed with narration and features a haunting cello line. The pictorial musical language allow...

This lively carol gives a new take on the well-loved Christmas text and provides an enticing alternative to more familiar versions. Including a range of textures, from unison to four-part writing, thi...

This resonant arrangement of the ancient matins hymn in the Sarum rite was written for The Advent Carol Service at King's College, Cambridge, 2007. The melody weaves between different voices and scori...

For SATB choir, soprano solo, mezzo-soprano solo, and organ. New Horizons showcases the wealth of exciting, innovative, and occasionally challenging choral music being written today. It encompasses th...

This joyful carol of celebration, with its uplifting 'Gloria in excelsis Deo' refrain, is presented here in German translation. The orchestral accompaniment is available on sale and on hire/rental.

Setting words by Chief Dan George, this optimistic work reminds us that there is still beauty to be found in times of trouble and that difficult days will not last forever. The balanced vocal lines wi...

Sounding heaven and earth is an organ piece inspired by Prayer, a sonnet by the metaphysical poet, George Herbert.

Jackson's work couples the expressive language of a medieval Latin hymn with the Collect for St Margaret of Scotland. The use of hockets and isorhythms give the music a deep medieval grounding, whilst...

The Ballerina and the Clown develops a completely new story inspired by some of Hans Christian Andersen's charming papercuts, which are reproduced in the score. Alternative illustrations by Cecilia Ro...

The Blackbird is a beautiful arrangement of a Welsh folksong. It sets the folksong in an English translation by Margery Hargest Jones.

The Orgelbüchlein Project is a long running project to complete Bach's unfinished collection of organ music. McDowall has composed music for 'ghost' Chorale 119 (336) BWV 258 as her contribution to co...

Sacred and hallowed fire was commissioned by Harrison & Harrison as part of their 150 years celebration of organ building. It is one of a trilogy of works for organ by McDowall which draws from the po...

Offprinted from Pianoworks: Popular Styles.

This beautiful and moving piece in seven sections combines text from the Ave maris stella antiphon and Psalms 26 and 106. Starting and finishing in a mood of peace and certainty, the work is structure...

With words by the composer, this warm, expressive anthem asks Christ to bring justice, hope, and joy to our lives. Offprinted from The Oxford Book of Easy Flexible Anthems.