Standing as I do before God (McDowall) - from CDA68251 - Hyperion Records

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Reviews

‘A typically meticulous recording by Layton and The Choir of Trinity College Cambridge, sensitive to every nuance of phrasing and articulation—a glossy account of a sequence of well-crafted anthems, with a bonus in the form of Alexander Hamilton’s account of McDowall’s O Antiphons for solo organ’ (Gramophone)

‘Released to celebrate the British composer’s 70th birthday, this recording surveys Cecilia McDowall’s substantial choral output, most of it written in the past two decades. She could scarcely have a better group to sing it than Stephen Layton’s Trinity College Choir’ (BBC Music Magazine)» More

‘It's a fine recording … really well balanced and with all the choral quality and discipline we've come to expect from Layton and co. Cecilia McDowall couldn't ask for a better showcase for her choral music’ (BBC Record Review)

‘With this CD the discerning collector is once again in debt to Hyperion’s stimulating catalogue of contemporary choral repertoire, one enhanced by performances and recordings of the highest quality … this is an altogether admirable release and is very well worth investigating’ (British Music Society Journal)» More

‘This excellent disc is another fine addition to the discography of the Choir of Trinity College, Cambridge. The choral pieces were recorded over a period of three years during which there were inevitable changes in personnel, yet the standard is consistent—and excellent. As ever, the freshness and discipline of this group of young singers is exemplary, showing just how thoroughly they are trained by Stephen Layton. Both in St George’s Chapel, Windsor and in the chapel of Trinity College, engineer David Hinitt and producer Adrian Peacock have recorded these performances expertly for Hyperion. Paul Conway’s notes are ideally informative’ (MusicWeb International)» More

‘Disciplined and polished throughout, just as we’ve come to expect … Layton coaxes first-class singing from his Trinity forces, generating well-paced accounts that highlight much of this composer’s undoubted craftsmanship’ (Opera Today, USA)» More

Introduction
English

Standing as I do before God (2013), for soprano solo and choir, is a setting of Seán Street’s reflection on words spoken by nurse Edith Cavell on the eve of her execution on 12 October 1915. After the German occupation of Brussels in November 1914, Cavell sheltered wounded British, French and Belgian soldiers and helped the Allies to escape to neutral territories. In the following year she was betrayed by an informer and arrested. She was then tried for treason and condemned to death. Recorded by the Anglican chaplain, the Reverend Stirling Graham, her last words were: ‘Patriotism is not enough: I must have no hatred or bitterness towards anyone.’ These words are engraved below her statue, which stands in St Martin’s Place, Trafalgar Square, in London. McDowall’s piece is a sombre lament, which combines solemnity with eloquent intensity. The lonely night spent by Cavell in a German military prison before her execution by firing squad is poignantly evoked in this emotionally committed tribute to an exceptional and compassionate woman.

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Recording details: January 2018
Trinity College Chapel, Cambridge, United Kingdom
Produced by Adrian Peacock
Engineered by David Hinitt
Release date: April 2021
Total duration: 6 minutes 21 seconds

Cover artwork: Christ stood before the tabernacle, surrounded by adoring angels (2005). Elizabeth Wang (1942-2016)
Private Collection / © Radiant Light / Bridgeman Images