Immerse yourself in the captivating choral compositions of Cecilia McDowall with her latest album, "Da Vinci Requiem & 70 Degrees Below Zero." Released on April 7, 2023, under Signum Records, this album is a masterful blend of traditional and innovative choral music that spans a total of 56 minutes.
The album opens with the "Da Vinci Requiem," a unique take on the traditional Latin 'Missa pro Defunctis.' McDowall masterfully weaves together extracts from this ancient text with her own compositions, creating a hauntingly beautiful and compelling musical experience. Each of the seven tracks in this section, from the solemn "Introit and Kyrie" to the ethereal "Lux Aeterna," showcases McDowall's ability to evoke deep emotion and contemplation.
The second half of the album, "Seventy Degrees Below Zero," is a chilling yet mesmerizing exploration of the harsh beauty of the Arctic. Inspired by the extreme cold and the resilience of life in such an environment, these three tracks, including "We Measure" and "The Ice Tree," offer a stark contrast to the more traditional choral works in the first half of the album.
Throughout the album, McDowall's compositions are brought to life by the powerful and precise performances of the choir. The album is a testament to McDowall's skill as a composer and her ability to create music that is both deeply moving and technically impressive. Whether you're a fan of choral music or simply looking for a new and captivating musical experience, "Da Vinci Requiem & 70 Degrees Below Zero" is sure to leave a lasting impression.
(C) 2023 Signum Classics(P) 2023 Signum Records
Tracks
Da Vinci Requiem: I. Introit and KyrieCecilia McDowall, Leonardo Vinci, Anonymous, Wimbledon Choral, Kate Royal, Roderick Williams, Neil Ferris, City of London Sinfonia
Da Vinci Requiem: II. The Virgin of the RocksCecilia McDowall, Dante Gabriel Rossetti, Wimbledon Choral, Kate Royal, Neil Ferris, City of London Sinfonia
Da Vinci Requiem: III. I Obey Thee, O Lord (Lacrymosa)Cecilia McDowall, Leonardo Vinci, Anonymous, Wimbledon Choral, Neil Ferris, City of London Sinfonia
Da Vinci Requiem: IV. Sanctus and BenedictusCecilia McDowall, Anonymous, Wimbledon Choral, Neil Ferris, City of London Sinfonia
Da Vinci Requiem: V. Agnus DeiCecilia McDowall, Leonardo Vinci, Anonymous, Wimbledon Choral, Kate Royal, Neil Ferris, City of London Sinfonia
Da Vinci Requiem: VI. O You Who Are AsleepCecilia McDowall, Leonardo Vinci, Anonymous, Wimbledon Choral, Roderick Williams, Neil Ferris, City of London Sinfonia
Da Vinci Requiem: VII. Lux AeternaCecilia McDowall, Leonardo Vinci, Anonymous, Wimbledon Choral, Kate Royal, Roderick Williams, Neil Ferris, City of London Sinfonia
Seventy Degrees Below Zero: I. We MeasureCecilia McDowall, Robert Falcon Scott, Wimbledon Choral, Benjamin Hulett, Neil Ferris, City of London Sinfonia
Seventy Degrees Below Zero: II. The Ice TreeCecilia McDowall, Seán Street, Wimbledon Choral, Benjamin Hulett, Neil Ferris, City of London Sinfonia
Seventy Degrees Below Zero: III. To My WidowCecilia McDowall, Robert Falcon Scott, Wimbledon Choral, Benjamin Hulett, Neil Ferris, City of London Sinfonia
Vinylscout