
Sacred and hallowed fire was commissioned by Harrison & Harrison as part of their 150 years celebration of organ building. It is one of a trilogy of works for organ by McDowall which draws from the poetry of George Herbert; the first of the three (commissioned by Christopher Batchelor for the London Festival of Contemporary Church Music) is Sounding heaven and earth; the last of the trilogy, Church bells beyond the stars, has been commissioned to celebrate the centenary of the Edinburgh Society of Organists, May 2013.
This work serves as a musical exploration of the intersection between organ composition and the metaphysical poetry of George Herbert. Cecilia McDowall, a contemporary composer, utilizes the specific tonal capabilities of the organ to interpret the spiritual and linguistic nuances found in Herbert's verse. The piece functions as the second entry in a thematic trilogy designed to showcase the instrument's historical and liturgical significance.
What You Will Find
Scope Limits
Musicologists and organists frequently cite this work for its sophisticated integration of text and instrumental texture. Experts highlight the piece as a significant contribution to the modern repertoire for liturgical and concert organ performance.
Page Count:
12
Publication Date:
2013-05-16
Publisher:
Oxford University Press Music
ISBN-10:
0193394014
ISBN-13:
9780193394018
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