Interview with UK composer Cecilia McDowall and poet Sean Street ahead of the world premiere of Seventy Degrees Below Zero as part of the Conquering the Antarctic tour (Feb - March 2012).

Conquering the Antarctic Webcast - Interview with Cecilia McDowall & Sean Street

Standing as I do before God

In November 1914, after the German occupation of Brussels, Cavell began sheltering wounded soldiers, helping these Allies to escape into neutral Holland and beyond. In 1915 she was arrested for treason and after much diplomatic representation she was executed in the small hours on 12 October. Her last words were recorded by the Anglican chaplain, the Reverend Gahan. 

The poet, Seán Street, has taken Cavell's words and fashioned a poetical reflection around them. This inspired me to create something both contemplative and intense to mark the life and work of this remarkable, selfless woman in some way. Standing as I do before God is written specifically to the strengths of Sospiri and the beautiful voice of the young soprano, Susanna Fairbairn.

Edith Cavell's death encouraged many more young men to enlist and may have influenced American public opinion to support the United States being entering the war. The statue of Edith Cavell stands near Trafalgar Square in London with the words, ‘Patriotism is not enough. I must have no hatred or bitterness towards anyone’ engraved below.        Cecilia  McDowall

Standing As I Do before God

Cecilia McDowall

Related tracks