MATTHEW EMERY
Matthew Emery (b.1991) is a Canadian composer who “writes with an honesty which enchants” (Vancouver Sun). His music has been performed in twenty-four countries, and recent performance venues include the Great Wall of China, the White House and the Musikverein. His music has been commissioned and performed by the National Youth Orchestra of Canada, National Youth Choir of Canada, European Union Youth Orchestra, Vancouver Chamber Choir, Elmer Iseler Singers, the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra London, the Art of Time Ensemble, Rolston String Quartet and the Bach Music Festival of Canada Orchestra. Matthew studied at the University of British Columbia and the University of Toronto.
A Kind Heart
by Matthew Emery
TTBB with piano – CP 1570 – 4:20
SATB with piano – CP 1569
The beautiful and life affirming poem by Marjorie Pickthall is given a classy and poignant setting in the inimitable Emery style.
Born Like the Pines
by Matthew Emery
SAB with piano – CP 1344 – 3:05
Anyone who has experienced the wonder of a walk through the forest will love this song. The SAB setting is perfect for young choirs or choirs that are short on tenors. However, the men often carry the melody, making the composition suitable for choirs of all levels.
In This Wide World
by Matthew Emery
SAB (optional divisi) with piano – CP 1742 – 4:06
SA (optional divisi) with piano – CP 1743 – 4:06
TB (optional divisi) with piano – CP 1744 – 4:06
This composition removes all that is not needed. The music is stunning in its stark construction – fitting the intent of the text. The piano is steadfast in its clarity, the melodic ideas float in and out of the pianos gestures. The original poem is adapted freely. The music moves from unison lines to two and three part writing; the song ends in four part lines which weave and intermingle.
Lover’s Chant
by Matthew Emery
SATB a cappella – CP 1290 – 2:10
They say cream rises to the top and Matthew won the ACCC Diane Loomer award with this choral gem – a beautiful setting of the James Joyce poem.
Dr. Julia Davids added this piece to her Canadian Chamber Choir Series. Directors and singers will appreciate the intuitive voice leading, long phrases and meaningful text.
Nuit d'été
by Matthew Emery
SATB a cappella – CP 1838 – duration: 5:15
Nuit d’été is a anthem for mixed chorus a cappella. The text by Paul Bourget (1852-1935) speaks to feelings we have on ‘sweet summer nights’. It follows a traditional AABACoda form. “Ô nuit, ô douce nuit d’été” acts as a reoccurring musical gesture, in the third stanza the SA voices take the melodic weight while the TB voices sustain on a drone. The music returns to the familiar “A” section in the fourth stanza, and there is an ending Coda section on the text “ô nuit aimante!”
Sleep Now
by Matthew Emery
TTBB a cappella – CP 1415 – 3:20
SATB a cappella – CP 1416
Matthew chooses this texts carefully – in this case, a lovely poem by James Joyce. Comfort and rest – sleep.
The Song My Paddle Sings
by Matthew Emery
SATB a cappella – CP 1304 – 3:55
SSAA a cappella – CP 1375
The famous poem by E. Pauline Johnson comes to life with Matthew’s fine choral inclinations. If you’ve ever paddled a canoe – and even if you’ve only seen a mountain lake – you’ll love this poignant composition.
Where Healing Waters Flow
by Matthew Emery
SATB a cappella – CP 1572 – 3:20
Serene choral music, full of prayerful pleading – to the lyrics of Paul Laurence Dunbar (b. 1872) – who gave the world beautiful and meaningful poetry. He was the first African American to achieve acclaim for his writing, – he was the son of slaves’.
Composers
Catalogue
Special Collections
Gordon Lightfoot
Songs for the Sanctuary
Vancouver Youth Choir Series
Canadian Chamber Choir Series
Elektra Women"s Choir Series
La Série Enchantée (French))
The Zimfira Collection (Children)
Profondo - (Lower Voices)
Universal Gospel Choir
Jean-Sébastien Vallée Series
Diane Loomer Choral Series (Folk Song)