This unique three-movement work combines the harmonic language of Indian classical Raags (Raag Hamsadhwani, Raag Malkauns, and Raag Ahir Bhairav, respectively) with specially written texts by poet Rebecca Gayle Howell. These three eco-carols, entitled 'We look for you', 'The year's midnight', and 'The unexpected early hour' centre around evening, midnight, and daybreak (linked to the Christian services of Evensong, Matins, and Lauds), and use imagery from nature to reflect on the message of the Christmas story. The first two movements have a serene and pensive atmosphere that contrasts with the third movement, which uses an energetic compound time signature and bell-like melodic shapes.

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The Unexpected Early Hour (from A Winter Breviary) - Reena Esmail

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The Unexpected Early Hour (from A Winter Breviary) - Reena Esmail

Oxford Academic (OUP)