Orchestra (2202 2220 1 + timp piano strings ) , SATB Chorus, SATB Soloists and Children’s Choir
11 min duration
Text by Robert Reid (adapted by the composer)
Please email me for audio or scores.
Orchestra Instrumentation: 2 fl, 2 ob, 2bsn, 2 hrn, 2 tpt bflat, 2 tb, 1 perc, 1 timp, 1 pn *no clarinets
Text in the public domain, from ‘A Treasury of Canadian Verse’ published 1904 by Henry Frowde.
Sing me the might of her giant mountains,
Baring their browns in their dazzling blue;
Sing me a song of Canada!
Sing me the calm of her tranquil forests,
Silence eternal, and peace profound,
Emblems of all that’s grand and true:
Free as the eagles soaring;
Sing me the pride of her stately rivers,
Cleaving their way to the far-off sea;
Sing me the joy of her fertile prairies,
Sing me the charm of her blazing campfires;
Sing me the quiet of her happy homes,
Sing me the worth of each Canadian
Sing me the love, of the great peace that leads us.
Sing me the song, then; sing it bravely;
Put your soul in the words you sing;
Sing me the praise of this glorious country.
Sing me the joy, Sing me the calm, Sing me the praise,
I hear the voice of Freedom Sing me a song of Canada!
Whether neath the forest arches, Or in the shade of the city domes;
I hear the voice of Freedom
Sing me joy, Sing me peace, Sing me worth, Sing me love,
Voicing your notes that the world may hear
Sing me a song of Canada!
Commissioned by the Bach Music Festival of Canada
Premiered July 16th, 2017 by the Bach Music Festival of Canada, Exeter Ontario, Canada.
The Bach Festival Symphony Orchestra, Festival Massed Adult Choir, the Youth Ensemble, and bass John Avey, soprano Leslie Fagan, alto Anita Krause, and tenor Colin Ainsworth.
A Song Of Canada speaks to themes of unity, togetherness and peace through the images of Canada: prairies, mountains, rivers,
forests, seas and cities. It blends pulsing loud orchestral writing with calm and ethereal choral textures. The music reminds us that every Canadian is joined by both our geographic identity, but also by our social identity; the need for peace and compassion.
please contact me for scores or audio recordings. I would love to have your ensemble perform this work.
Dr. Matthew Emery 