Cecilia McDowall - A Tree is a Song (The Rodolfus Choir)

Information

Composer: Cecilia McDowall

1. A Tree is a Song
2. On the Air (Dear Vaccine)
3. The Year of the Horse
4. The Three Birds
5. Night Flight: I. New Moon
6. Night Flight: II. Crow, landing
7. Night Flight: III. Before Dawn
8. Here hum the bees
9. Such Splendor
10. One day walking
11. When time is broke: I. Give me some music
12. When time is broke: II. Mark how one string
13. When time is broke: III. How sour sweet music is

The Rodolfus Choir

Ralph Allwood, conductor

Elinor Cooper, conductor

Leo Popplewell, cello

Date: 2026

Label: Signum Records

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A Tree is a Song is an album of contemporary secular choral works by Cecilia McDowall, featuring first recordings performed by The Rodolfus Choir under Ralph Allwood and Elinor Cooper. Composed between 2012 and 2024, the program sets texts by writers including Virginia Woolf and William Shakespeare. Several works incorporate obbligato cello by Leo Popplewell. Exploring themes such as nature, community, remembrance, and the COVID-19 pandemic, the album—recorded in London in 2024—highlights McDowall’s nuanced text setting, rich choral textures, and contemporary vocal style.

The Rodolfus Choir is a youth ensemble of singers aged 16–25, drawn largely from participants in the Eton Choral Courses and many pursuing professional musical careers. Founded in 1984 by Ralph Allwood, the choir has performed widely across the United Kingdom at venues including St John’s Smith Square and major cathedrals. It has undertaken international tours, notably appearing at Belgium’s International Night of the Choirs Festival. Known for imaginative programming and championing new music, its repertoire spans from Claudio Monteverdi to Herbert Howells. The choir also broadcasts regularly on BBC Radio 3 and has appeared on television and commercial recordings.