Cecilia McDowall's "Shipping Forecast" is a captivating choral album released on August 6, 2012, under the Dutton Epoch label. This collection of works showcases McDowall's mastery of choral composition, blending evocative poetry with rich, textured music. The album spans a diverse range of themes, from the haunting beauty of "Great Hills" to the rhythmic allure of "Theatre of Tango" and the poignant reflections of "Crossing the Bridge." The centerpiece, "Shipping Forecast," is a three-movement work inspired by the maritime forecasts, capturing the mystery and fascination of the sea with Sean Street's poetry. Performed by the Ulster Orchestra and Orchestra Nova Ensemble, the album offers a compelling journey through McDowall's musical landscape, highlighting her ability to convey deep emotion and vivid imagery through choral and orchestral arrangements. With a duration of 1 hour and 13 minutes, this album is a testament to McDowall's artistic vision and her unique contribution to contemporary choral music.
(C) 2012 Vocalion Ltd(P) 2012 Vocalion Ltd
Tracks
Great Hills: I. Prelude: Lady Blunt's StradivariusCecilia McDowall, Orchestra Nova Ensemble
Great Hills: II. Passacaglia: The still nightCecilia McDowall, Joanna Shaw, Kathryn Thomas, Madeleine Easton, Orchestra Nova Ensemble
Great Hills: III. Perpetuum Mobile: Belloc's MillCecilia McDowall, Joanna Shaw, Kathryn Thomas, Madeleine Easton, Orchestra Nova Ensemble
PavaneCecilia McDowall, Ulster orchestra
Theatre of Tango: I. The DanceCecilia McDowall, Ulster orchestra
Theatre of Tango: II. Ghost LightCecilia McDowall, Ulster orchestra
Theatre of Tango: III. A Tango of TimeCecilia McDowall, Ulster orchestra
Crossing the Bridge: I. MostarCecilia McDowall, Orchestra Nova Ensemble
Crossing the Bridge: II. London Bridge - Crossing to AmericaCecilia McDowall, Orchestra Nova Ensemble
Crossing the Bridge: III. Brooklyn BridgeCecilia McDowall, Orchestra Nova Ensemble
Rain, Steam and SpeedCecilia McDowall, Ulster orchestra
Shipping Forecast: I. DonegalCecilia McDowall, Orchestra Nova Ensemble
Shipping Forecast: II. They that go down to the sea in shipsCecilia McDowall, Orchestra Nova Ensemble
Shipping Forecast: III. NamingCecilia McDowall, Orchestra Nova Ensemble