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

Cecilia McDowall Advent

Cecilia McDowall Advent Moon SATB, organ, and opt. handbells Vocal score 9780193403406 Through luminous choral harmonies, images of a winter night, and echoes of scripture, Advent Moon evokes deep human longing as well as the promise of the coming of light. The delicate organ accompaniment and optional handbells underscore both the haunting opening and the radiant conclusion of this piece. 4 minutes Annunciation SATB (with divisions) unaccompanied Vocal score 9780193519770 Digital 9780193537866 Annunciation is an expressive and expansive Advent carol based on words from John Donne’s Holy Sonnets. McDowall creates a captivating atmosphere as the voices explore a soundworld that is mystical, reflective, and bright. The sensitive part-writing and accessible vocal lines will enable choirs of all types to profess the carol’s message of ‘salvation to all’. 4 minutes Before the paling of the stars SATB and organ Vocal score 9780193396951 This tender carol sets an affecting text by Christina Rossetti that tells the story of Jesus’s birth. In classic McDowall style, the setting explores a variety of choral textures and is interspersed with unexpected harmonies, creating a range of musical colours. The organ part provides a gentle, supportive accompaniment. 4 minutes Advent & Christmas Leaflets/Octavos Brightest Star SSATB unaccompanied Vocal score 9780193532113 Digital 9780193539617 Written to commemorate the centenary of the foundation of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Brightest Star sets a powerful text by Seán Street. The poem describes the call for assistance made by the occupied Channel Islands in 1944 and the response of the Red Cross ship, the Vega, which came to their aid, drawing parallels between this story and the light and hope of the seasons of Christmas and Epiphany. The bleak wartime conditions are portrayed by dissonant harmony and downward sliding phrases, and extracts from the Bailiff of Jersey’s letter of appeal, sung by the lower voices, draw attention to the gravity of the situation. In contrast, the upper voices bring an ethereal quality to the texture, with closing phrases that are suggestive of the traditional French carol Les anges dans nos campagnes (‘Angels, from the realms of glory’). 4 minutes Christ is the morning star SATB and organ Vocal score 9780193408289 This lively setting of the Venerable Bede’s Christ is the morning star features all the hallmarks of McDowall’s original and vibrant style. With rich harmonies, compelling modulations, and a flowing organ accompaniment, this piece is perfect for services and concerts throughout Advent. 3.5 minutes A Christmas Carol SATB and organ Vocal score 9780193551619 Digital 9780193551626 This setting of the evocative poem by Chesterton is atmospheric and powerful. Showcasing McDowall’s distinctive style, its minor tonality, subtle chromaticisms, and whole-tone scales portray the contrasting voices in the text to breathtaking effect. 3 minutes 56

Cradle Song SA and piano Digital † 9780193545762 This exquisite lullaby setting of a William Blake text is taken from the collection For Him all Stars. 2 minutes Gaude et laetare SATB and organ Vocal score 9780193401495 Digital 9780193535893 For this joyous piece, McDowall sets a text from the Ambrosian Rite celebrating the Virgin Mary’s recent motherhood. The lively organ accompaniment and strong rhythmic drive create an instantly celebratory mood. 3.5 minutes Lo! He slumbers in his manger SATB unaccompanied Vocal score 9780193535671 Digital 9780193539624 McDowall’s setting of Isaac Watts’ Cradle Hymn is beautifully tender, coloured by its rich harmonies, suspensions, and chromatic notes. The melodies are complemented by sustained ‘oo’s and ‘ah’s and rock gently with the changing time signatures, before ending unexpectedly in the tonic major. 2.5 minutes Now may we singen SATB unaccompanied Vocal score 9780193396968 Digital 9780193525030 Setting a fifteenth-century English text containing some short Latin passages, this is a joyful, dance-like carol with a medieval feel. The spirited, lilting melody begins in the sopranos and altos but is passed round the choir, while the other voices add stirring harmonies and bell-like drones to the texture. ‘Now may we singen’ was originally published in the New Horizons collection The Ivy and the Holly. 4 minutes O magnum mysterium SATB (with divs) unaccompanied Vocal score 9780193562554 Characteristically sung on Christmas Day, this Catholic chant depicts mystery and wonder at the birth of Jesus, as witnessed by the animals. Deep, sonorous chords open and close the piece, which has a sustained tempo that gives space for the melismatic vocal lines and rich harmonies to take full effect. 3 minutes O nata lux SATB unaccompanied Vocal score 9780193562578 The O nata lux text is taken from a 10th-century anonymous hymn that uses the concept of light to symbolise hope, a particularly pertinent theme for Advent. Throughout this setting the sopranos intertwine their high, melodic lines above interjections from the lower voices, creating an atmosphere of ethereal luminosity. 3.5 minutes O nata lux SATB unaccompanied Vocal score 9780193562592 Traditionally sung on Christmas Eve, ‘O Virgo virginum’ is often described as the eighth ‘O’ Antiphon and praises Mary, ‘O virgin of (amongst) virgins.’ McDowall’s setting is vigorous and joyful, with intimations of medieval plainchant. 2.5 minutes O Oriens SSATB (with divisions) unaccompanied Vocal score 9780193388369 Digital 9780193524996 A setting of one of the seven Advent ‘O’ Antiphons, O Oriens makes use of luxurious and exotic harmonies, creating a shimmering texture reminiscent of the biblical Morning Star referenced in the title. The focus on human enlightenment in winter’s darkness means the piece is equally suitable for secular celebrations of Christmas. 3.5 minutes The Presence SATB double choir unaccompanied Vocal score 9780193511989 Digital 9780193537798 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, and 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 with rich, lush harmonies. 5 minutes Cecilia McDowall 57