Cosmographia
Description
Research
Translation

Composer John McDowell uses original chant melodies, African rhythms, and 20th century harmonies as materials for "Cosmographia." The sample work is the first movement of "Cosmographia" sung by soprano and choir with piano accompaniment. After a short piano introduction, the soprano sings fragments of a chant-like melody over simple piano dyads which shifts around a tonal center. The mood is taken from the creation story of Cosmographia where Natura (nature) pleads with Nous (the divine mind) for peace and order in the universe. The melody slowly unfolds and eventually the choir enters, continuing the shifting of tonal center and flowing phrases. Continuing, the soprano alternates with the choir as motifs of the first melody and theme are intertwined. The piece reaches a climax at section "D" with a repeating harmonic pattern that has simple polyrhythms between the vocal parts. After a few seconds pause, the first motif returns with soprano then choir.

The score for the second movement provides more examples of the use of chant, African rhythms, and a somewhat more contemporary use of harmony.

The grant is intended for the completion of the entire work.