Christmas and Winter Works and More in New Cecilia McDowall Collection by the Choir of the Royal Holloway

 

Christmas and Winter Works and More in New Cecilia McDowall Collection by the Choir of the Royal Holloway

Editor's Note: Although not a Christmas album, it does contain McDowall's The Ice is Listening and A Winter Night. A Winter Night is composed of Christmas carols.

This album presents a stunning collection of recent cantatas by acclaimed composer Cecilia McDowall, performed by the Choir of Royal Holloway, Orchestra Nova, and conductor George Vass. Known for her ‘spicy rhythms and colours’ (Gramophone), McDowall’s music weaves vibrant textures and emotional depth, drawing listeners into a compelling journey.

The featured works explore diverse themes, from the haunting beauty of ice in The Ice is Listening, to the celestial wonders of Music of the Stars. Also included is the chamber orchestra version of A Winter’s Night, a joyful Christmas cantata.

McDowall’s distinct choral voice shines through, blending introspective reflection with exuberant energy, making this an essential addition to the choral repertoire.

The Ice is Listening (2023)
1. Solid Waters
2. The ice is listening
3. Moulin

A Winter’s Night (2014)
4. In dulci jubilo
5. O little one sweet
6. Noël nouvelet
7. Still, still, still
8. Sussex Carol

Music of the Stars (2022)
9. Music of the Stars
10. The hardest thing
11. The Gift to Sing

Bird of Time (2022)
12. The Bird of Time
13. Aubade
14. To be Bird

https://www.resonusclassics.com/collections/resonus-classics/products/cecilia-mcdowall-cantatas

See our feature on McDowall,Cecilia McDowall: Commissioned for Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols from 2021.

Also, see, New Recording of George Arthur's Choral Works to Contain Four Carols (2022).