Composer

:

Cecilia McDowall

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Chamber Music

Compose Date

:

2006

Average_duration

:

9:01

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

Cecilia McDowall's 'Three Antiphons' is a choral work that was composed in 2013. It was premiered on 23rd November 2013 at St. John's Smith Square in London by the Choir of Trinity College Cambridge, conducted by Stephen Layton. The piece is divided into three movements, each of which is based on a different antiphon. The first movement, 'O Oriens', is based on the antiphon for the winter solstice. The piece begins with a gentle, flowing melody in the sopranos, which is then taken up by the rest of the choir. The music gradually builds in intensity, with the choir singing in harmony and counterpoint. The movement ends with a quiet, reflective section, with the choir singing in unison. The second movement, 'O Rex Gentium', is based on the antiphon for the feast of Christ the King. The piece begins with a powerful, rhythmic section, with the choir singing in unison. The music then becomes more complex, with the choir singing in harmony and counterpoint. The movement ends with a triumphant section, with the choir singing in unison. The third movement, 'O Emmanuel', is based on the antiphon for Christmas Eve. The piece begins with a gentle, flowing melody in the sopranos, which is then taken up by the rest of the choir. The music gradually builds in intensity, with the choir singing in harmony and counterpoint. The movement ends with a quiet, reflective section, with the choir singing in unison. Overall, 'Three Antiphons' is a beautiful and powerful choral work that showcases McDowall's skill as a composer. The piece is characterized by its use of harmony and counterpoint, as well as its ability to evoke a range of emotions in the listener. It is a fitting tribute to the three antiphons on which it is based, and a testament to McDowall's talent as a composer.

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