Composer

:

Cecilia McDowall

Genre

:

Choral

Average_duration

:

02:27

Of a Rose is a choral work composed by Cecilia McDowall in 2014. It was premiered on December 6, 2014, by the choir of Merton College, Oxford, under the direction of Benjamin Nicholas. The piece is divided into three movements, each of which is based on a different text. The first movement, "Of a Rose," is a setting of the medieval English poem "There is no rose of such virtue." The music is characterized by a gentle, flowing melody that is passed between the different sections of the choir. The harmonies are rich and complex, with frequent use of suspensions and dissonances that create a sense of tension and release. The second movement, "Ave Maria," is a setting of the traditional Latin prayer. The music is more contemplative than the first movement, with a slower tempo and a more subdued mood. The harmonies are still rich and complex, but there is a greater sense of stillness and introspection. The final movement, "Magnificat," is a setting of the biblical text from the Gospel of Luke. The music is more exuberant than the previous movements, with a faster tempo and a more joyful mood. The harmonies are still complex, but there is a greater sense of forward momentum and energy. Overall, Of a Rose is a beautiful and expressive choral work that showcases McDowall's skill as a composer. The music is characterized by rich harmonies, complex textures, and a sense of emotional depth and nuance. It is a fitting tribute to the beauty and power of the choral tradition.

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