SATB a cappella
Text: James Joyce
Duration: 3 min
Publisher: G. Schirmer
Commissioned by the Vancouver Chamber Choir. Long, legato lines and shifting tonal centers describe this setting by Matthew Emery of this famous James Joyce poem. Speaking of the power of both love and music and how they intertwine and collide, the musical setting is sensitive and powerful and will be a favorite of a good high school or collegiate choir.
O cool is the valley now
And there, love, will we go
For many a choir is singing now
Where Love did sometime go.
And hear you not the thrushes calling,
Calling us away?
O cool and pleasant is the valley
And there, love, will we stay.
Themes: secular, chamber, music, singing, life, journey, nature, topography, pleading, joy
Dr. Matthew Emery 