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.

More on the OUP site

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

Occasional sound explorer. Live-coding music enjoyer.

beats are too important for this doctor!😂🤝🏻🎛🔁

Highly versatile classically-trained vocalist and voiceover actor.

Oxford University Press’s academic insights for the thinking world combine authority, innovation, and excellence.  We share audio resources for students, scholars, and researchers.

Singing in  Maplewood and NYC  -  Would love to collaborate virtually or in person

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

Oxford Academic (OUP)