Composer

:

Cecilia McDowall

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Anthem

First Performance

:

Nov 11, 2001

Average_duration

:

11:49

'Ave maris stella' is a choral work composed by Cecilia McDowall, a British composer known for her choral and orchestral works. The piece was composed in 2011 and premiered on 8th October 2011 at St. John's Smith Square in London, performed by the choir of Merton College, Oxford. The piece is divided into three movements, each of which is based on a different text. The first movement is based on the traditional Latin hymn 'Ave maris stella', which is a hymn to the Virgin Mary. The second movement is based on a poem by the 17th-century English poet Robert Herrick, 'To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time'. The third movement is based on a poem by the contemporary British poet Charles Bennett, 'The Sea is a Magic Carpet'. The first movement of the piece is characterized by its use of rich harmonies and soaring melodies. The choir sings the Latin text in unison, with occasional harmonies and counterpoint. The second movement is more rhythmic and lively, with a playful melody and syncopated rhythms. The third movement is more atmospheric, with a slow, flowing melody and a sense of mystery and wonder. Overall, 'Ave maris stella' is a beautiful and evocative choral work that showcases McDowall's skill as a composer. The piece is characterized by its rich harmonies, soaring melodies, and use of text to create a sense of atmosphere and emotion. It is a testament to McDowall's ability to create music that is both technically impressive and emotionally resonant.

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