OUP Women Composers Orchestral, Opera, Chamber, Instrumental and Choral Catalogue

Cecilia McDowall The

Cecilia McDowall The Loving Memory SATB (with divisions) and organ Vocal score 9780193514461 This joyous, upbeat anthem sets a compelling poem by contemporary poet Seán Street in response to a text by sixteenth-century Bishop of Norwich John Parkhurst on the subject of ‘alma mater’. The text encourages us to appreciate the past, our education, and where it can lead, reflecting on the profound ties we can form to a time or a place. The bright, driving organ part, with solo interjections, is juxtaposed with sustained vocal writing and its rich, lush harmonies. 4 minutes O sing unto the Lord SATB (with divisions) and organ Vocal score 9780193410794 Digital 9780193536753 This joyful setting of Psalm 98 is a bright and celebratory anthem of praise. The intricate organ writing offsets emphatic statements from the choir full of melodic and harmonic interest while grounded in assertive homorhythm. 4 minutes A Prayer of St Columba SATB or SABar and organ or piano SATB Vocal score 9780193533844 SATB Digital 9780193533851 SABar Vocal score 9780193519053 SABar Digital 9780193531222 A Prayer of St Columba is an expressive and emotive anthem with appealing, arching melodies underpinned by a sparkling organ part. 3.5 minutes A Prayer to St John the Baptist SATB and organ Vocal score 9780193527836 Digital 9780193531529 A Prayer to St John the Baptist sets an artfully crafted text that combines Guido d’Arezzo’s Ut queant laxis (itself a Hymn to John the Baptist, as well as a medieval musicteaching mnemonic) with Thomas Merton’s poem on the same subject. The organ’s flowing quavers represent Merton’s baptismal ‘rivers of water’, while the largely octatonic melodies conjure a tellingly mysterious atmosphere. 4 minutes Preces and Responses SATB unaccompanied Vocal score 9780193381483 This set of Preces and Responses was commissioned by the London Festival of Contemporary Church Music for their 2010 festival. The work is uplifting, beautifully crafted, and perfect for those seeking new material for the liturgy. 6 minutes Psalm 65 Soprano solo, SATB, organ or keyboard, and opt. trumpet Vocal score 9780193400948 Trumpet part 9780193412538 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. Performable with or without trumpet, Psalm 65 is a vibrant concert work and a great joy to sing. 12 minutes Regina Caeli SSAA or SATB unaccompanied SSAA vocal score 9780193400955 SATB vocal score 9780193439221 SATB Digital 9780193537941 This hymn to the ‘Queen of the Heavens’ is a glorious work, replete with dramatic changes of mood and texture. The majestic chords of the opening bars quickly give way to a spirited exchange between the voices. This pattern of contrasts is repeated throughout the piece before the final jubilant chords fade away to pianissimo. This is an approachable and rewarding motet, appropriate for any time of the year and, in particular, the Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Eastertide. 3 minutes Rise heart; thy Lord is risen SSATB unaccompanied Vocal score 9780193532694 Digital 9780193532700 This expressive, proclamatory setting of verses from George Herbert’s ‘Easter’ features eminently singable vocal lines, antiphonal writing, and imaginative word-painting. 4 minutes 50

Standing as I do before God Soprano solo and SATB unaccompanied Vocal score 9780193407626 Setting a text spoken by Nurse Edith Cavell on the eve of her execution in 1915 and re-fashioned by the poet Seán Street, McDowall has created a work of haunting beauty full of gently lamenting harmonies. The sombre subject matter makes the piece equally suitable for funerals and Remembrance Day celebrations. 7 minutes Vita Mundo SATB and organ Vocal score 9780193402850 A setting of Psalm 127 (Unless the Lord builds the house), this compelling anthem possesses a luminescent quality supported by radiant harmonic textures. It is framed by Latin text taken from the Saxon stone cross at St Paul’s, Jarrow, associated with St Bede, and set in quasi-plainchant fashion. Psalm 127 is one of the Psalms of Ascent, often occurring throughout the liturgical calendar. With an elegant simplicity, Vita Mundo is uplifting and rewarding to sing. 5 minutes Cecilia McDowall 51