Two Movements for String Sextet
Details Duration (min): 15 Instrumentation: 2 violins, 2 violi, 2 celli Score Excerpts Two Movements for String Sextet Program Notes Two Movements for String Sextet by Canadian composer Michael Matthews This work was composed for the 2023/24 season of the GroundSwell new music series in Winnipeg. The world premiere performance was given on May 22, 2024 […]
it is raining gently with light
Details Duration (min): 12 Instrumentation: violin, clarinet/bass clarinet, piano Score Excerpts it is raining gently with light – excerpt Program Notes It is raining gently with light was commissioned by GroundSwell and premiered on November 23, 2021. The title is drawn from a poem by Canadian writer Dennis Cooley, whose work often weaves the natural […]
Bloody Jack
Details Duration (min): 45' Instrumentation: Soprano, Piano Score Excerpts Bloody Jack excerpt Program Notes Bloody Jack is a song cycle for soprano and piano by Canaadian composer Michael Matthews; it is based on selected poems from Dennis Cooley’s 1984 collection of the same name. This contemporary Canadian work explores the mythic life of John Krafchenko, […]
till our bodies into the night slip
Details Duration (min): 12 Instrumentation: Clarinet/Bass Clarinet, cello, piano Program Notes The title of this piece is taken from the Dennis Cooley poem Witching. The work was written for the Soli Chamber Ensemble. Interested in programming this piece? Contact me to request materials or discuss programming options.
perishable light
Details Duration (min): 15 Instrumentation: Viola, Viola d'Amore, Percussion Score Excerpts Score Excerpt 1 Program Notes perishable light, for viola, viola d’amore and percussion. The title is taken from a poem by Dennis Cooley. The work was commissioned by Park Sounds Duo – Jennifer Thiessen and Ben Reimer. Interested in programming this piece? Contact me […]
A Star of Solitude
Details Duration (min): 19 Instrumentation: Soprano, Clarinet/Bass Clarinet, Viola, Percussion Program Notes A Star of Solitude by Michael Matthews – setting of Charles Simic poetry for Soprano, Viola, Clarinet/Bass Clarinet, Percussion Interested in programming this piece? Contact me to request materials or discuss programming options.
Septet
Details Duration (min): 14 Instrumentation: Flute, Oboe, Clarinet/Bass Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Violin, Cello, Piano Score Excerpts Score excerpt Program Notes Septet by Michael Matthews was commissioned by ensemble mosaik with financial support from the Canada Council for the Arts. Composed for seven virtuoso performers, the work draws on their distinct musical voices to shape its […]
Sechs Mörike Lieder
Details Duration (min): 11 Instrumentation: 2.2.2.2. 2.2.0.0. perc. (1) soprano strings Score Excerpts Sechs Mörike Lieder Program Notes Sechs Mörike Lieder by Canadian composer Michael Matthews are orchestrations of six songs from Hugo Wolf: Ein Stündlein wohl vor Tag Der Gärtner Zitronenfalter im April An den Schlaf Erstes Liebeslied eines Mädchens Nixe Binsefuß They were […]
Sólo queda el desierto
Details Duration (min): 27 Instrumentation: 2.2.2.2. 2.2.0.0. perc. (1) soprano strings Score Excerpts Sólo queda el desierto Program Notes Sólo queda el desierto by Canadian composer Michael Matthews All of the poems are concerned with the subject of time: time that is wasted, the unceasing nature of time, the perishability of beauty in time, our desire […]
and the sky caught
Details Duration (min): 15 Instrumentation: clarinet/bass clarinet, viola, piano Score Excerpts Score Excerpt 1 Program Notes Commissioned by Trio ’86 Krista Martynes, Clarinet Jennifer Thiessen, Viola Marc Wieser, Piano with financial assistance from The Manitoba Arts Council World Premiere: February 28, 2012 – Providence University College, Winnipeg, Canada additional performances: 2/29/12 – Brandon University; 3/1/12 […]