A Time for all Seasons is an evocative cantata that explores the complexities of the human condition. The well-known To every thing there is a season text from Ecclesiastes is interwoven with a modern-day reworking of the verses by award-winning poet Kevin Crossley-Holland. McDowall's impressive range of musical styles, effective antiphonal writing, and artful juxtaposition of textures work together to create a meaningful experience for the listener. The work's scoring contributes to the narrative, with sections for solo soprano or full choir contrasting with prescient interjections from the uppervoice choir. The part for upper voices may also be sung by a children's choir, and there is an optional part for percussion.