Composer

:

Cecilia McDowall

Genre

:

Choral

Average_duration

:

05:29

"Standing as I do before God" is a choral work composed by Cecilia McDowall in 2016. The piece was premiered on 8th October 2016 at St. Pancras Church in London by the choir of Merton College, Oxford, conducted by Benjamin Nicholas. The work is divided into three movements, each exploring different aspects of the text. The first movement, "Standing as I do before God," is a setting of a prayer by Mary MacKillop, an Australian nun who was canonized in 2010. The music is characterized by a gentle, flowing melody in the choir, accompanied by a simple piano part. The second movement, "The Lord is my Shepherd," is a setting of Psalm 23. The music is more complex, with intricate harmonies and a more varied texture. The final movement, "A Prayer of St. Teresa of Avila," is a setting of a prayer by the Spanish mystic. The music is characterized by a sense of urgency and intensity, with the choir and piano building to a powerful climax. Throughout the work, McDowall's use of harmony and texture is particularly effective. She often uses close harmonies and overlapping vocal lines to create a sense of depth and richness in the sound. The piano part is also an integral part of the work, providing a subtle accompaniment that supports and enhances the choir's singing. Overall, "Standing as I do before God" is a beautiful and moving choral work that showcases McDowall's skill as a composer. The piece is characterized by its gentle melodies, intricate harmonies, and powerful climaxes, and is sure to be a favorite of choirs and audiences alike.

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