DONALD PATRIQUIN
Donald Patriquin (b. 1938, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada) was eleven when he began to compose, and though his musical career was briefly “interrupted” by studies in biology he was always involved in music as composer, performer, teacher, accompanist, organist and conductor. Donald’s music is performed throughout the world. He is known for his sparkling and challenging piano settings. His compositions are “sophisticated and challenging, yet accessible to all audiences”.
visit the Patriquin website here: donaldpatriquin.com
C’est dans le mois de mai - (En montant la rivière)
arr. Donald Patriquin
SATB with piano – CP 1655 – duration 4:00 
Another wonderful French-Canadian folksong arranged by our inimitable composer.
It is in the Month of May – going up the river,
The girls are beautiful – all the lovers change sweethearts
But I am not going to change because mine is too beautiful
She has beautiful blue eyes and a red mouth
How nice it would be to live with her
C’est l’aviron
arr. Donald Patriquin
SSA with piano – CP 1445 – duration 4:30
SATB with piano – CP 1453
This is a wonderful example of a folk song that came to Canada (Quebec) from Europe (France) and was made into a ‘local’ work song with the addition of a refrain– all sung to make the hard work enjoyable while paddling canoes on early Quebec’s waterways.
This song is a hybrid of a folksong from France with a refrain added by early Quebec canoe-men. It tells of a man who, meeting three girls on the road from La Rochelle, gives the most beautiful of them a ride on his horse. Enamored of his passenger, he tries to gain her attentions. However she will neither talk nor drink with him at the fountain, but upon being taken to her parent’s place drinks a toast to her father, mother, sisters, brothers, and…her own lover.
Hey Ho, Nobody Home
by Donald Patriquin
SSAATB a cappella – CP 1341 – duration 5:15 
SSA a cappella – CP 1350
Here’s a rowdy Christmas song that is sure to please listeners. Trick or Treat Christmas style!
Lukey’s Boat
arr. Donald Patriquin
SATB with piano – CP 1339 – duration 2:20
SSA with piano – CP 1349
A classic maritime folksong – charming – hilarious – up tempo – great fun!
Malaika
arr. Donald Patriquin
SATB with piano – CP 1342 – duration 3:00
SSA with piano – CP 1351
SAB with piano – now available
Donald arranged this Kenyan love song to complete his World Music Suite. Infectious rhythm and a gorgeous melody make this a winner for any choir.
TROIS NOËLS (THREE CHRISTMAS CAROLS) - the complete set
arr. Donald Patriquin
SATB a cappella – duration 10:00
Patriquin’s Three Noëls would make a wonderful segment to any Christmas program. Contrasting moods with changes in meter and tempo make the trilogy eminently listenable! Great fun for the choir! and a treat for the audience – Don is a master at intuitive voice leading. One can buy individual movements – listed below – or the complete set. 1) Nous voice dans la ville 2) Une Vierge féconde 3) Noël nouvelet
Nous voice dans la ville (We Now Have Reached the Village) - mvt #1 - from TROIS NOËLS
arr. Donald Patriquin
SATB a cappella – duration 4:25
Three Noëls opens with a joyful arrival to the village – bells ringing. Please enjoy the lovely recording by the McGill Chamber Singers.
Each person in this miniature Christmas drama is represented by a different choral voice: Joseph by the tenors, Mary by the sopranos, the Innkeeper by the basses and the Inkeeper’s wife by the altos.
Une Vierge féconde (A Virgin, Great With Child) - mvt #2 - from TROIS NOËLS
arr. Donald Patriquin
SATB a cappella – duration 2:55
Donald’s trilogy is brilliant – a very convincing set of Noëls. This middle movement is sweetly expressive of the beautiful Nativity. Please enjoy the lovely recording by the McGill Chamber Singers.
Noël nouvelet (A New Christmas) - mvt #3 - from TROIS NOËLS
arr. Donald Patriquin
SATB a cappella – duration 2:45
The Noël Trilogy ends with an up-tempo stunner which everyone will recognize immediately. Listen to the convincing rendition by the Capital Chamber Choir.
