Ave maris stella takes flight is a palimpsest on the pre-mediaeval hymn Ave maris stella. The plainsong melody takes on a structural role as the harmony is created by layering the tune, mimicking the effect of the acoustic within a big cathedral. The melodies soar over one another in a polymodal canonical pile-up. By contrast, the solo saxophone line is suspended above the rich harmonies. In places, the melody is fragmented, allowing each note to sing for itself—transporting the listener to another place as the music suspends time and engulfs the senses.

Dominic McGonigal found his voice as a composer with the Missa Et incarnatus est, a large work for eight-part choir, soloists and instrumental ensemble. This led to numerous further commissions, including two string quartets for Pro Musica and a new work for vocal group Fever Pitch, premiered in St Paul’s Church, Covent Garden.

from notes by Signum Classics © 2023