Soprano and piano

Text: Kevin Crossley-Holland | Caroline Natzler | Sean Street | Simon Mundy

Commissioned by Nicholas Jardine

Duration: 10′

Oxford University Press

First performance Presteigne Festival 2015 | Gillian Keith, soprano | Timothy End, piano

‘If there are angels’ pubblished by Boosey & Hawkes is on the Associated Board grade 8 Syllabus.

‘McDowall shows an instinctive understanding of the human voice, and how it can be used to enhance and shape the meaning of words. The four short songs, to texts by living poets, although at times angular and not conventionally tuneful, have an enticing imaginative quality – especially the ghostly ‘Angels on Radar’ – and McDowall uses the piano in a rewardingly colourful way that exploits it entire compass. There’s even humour, with the final song racily depicting a football match between angels and devils.’ Birmingham Post”

Programme note

Review available

Link to Score:
http://www.boosey.com/shop/prod/Boosey-Hawkes-Song-Collection-vol-2-1901-2004/905904

Link to recording: