
This is the third in a trilogy of organ works inspired by the metaphysical poet, George Herbert. This piece and the first of the three, Sounding heaven and earth, draw their titles from George Herbert's Prayer (I). The second of the group, Sacred and hallowed fire, takes its inspiration from the sequence of poems by George Herbert entitled he Temple.
This work investigates the intersection of metaphysical poetry and contemporary organ composition through the lens of George Herbert's spiritual verse. Cecilia McDowall, a composer recognized for her choral and instrumental works, utilizes the structural and thematic elements of Herbert's poetry to inform the harmonic language of her organ trilogy. The argument presented is that the rhythmic and theological complexities of 17th-century poetry can be translated into modern musical notation to create a cohesive liturgical or concert experience.
What You Will Find
Scope Limits
Experts in contemporary organ repertoire identify this work as a significant contribution to the modern liturgical canon. Performers frequently note the technical demand required to capture the atmospheric qualities intended by the composer.
Page Count:
12
Publication Date:
2013-08-15
Publisher:
Oxford University Press Music
ISBN-10:
0193393360
ISBN-13:
9780193393363
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