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Works

Works

This page presents a comprehensive overview of Michael Matthews’ works, organized by category. His compositions span orchestral, chamber, vocal, choral, electroacoustic, and solo repertoire, reflecting a distinctive voice in contemporary music. Each entry includes details such as instrumentation, year of composition, duration, and, where available, program notes, score excerpts, and audio recordings. If you’re new to his music, you can learn more about Michael Matthews here.

Many of Michael Matthews’ works are available through both the Canadian Music Centre and Universal Edition. For information about purchasing, renting, or requesting perusal copies of scores, please visit the Scores & Performance Materials page. 

Critical responses to Michael Matthews’ chamber works, orchestral pieces, and vocal compositions can be found on the Reviews page.

If you are interested in commissioning a new work or have additional questions, feel free to get in touch.

Thank you for your interest in the music of Michael Matthews.

Selected works by category

The following list represents the full range of Michael Matthews works, grouped by type. Each category links to individual compositions with program notes, audio, and score details. For additional details, visit the Scores and Performance Materialsl page.

Orchestral

Large-scale compositions for orchestra and smaller symphonic forces, commissioned by major Canadian and international ensembles.

Chamber

Works for string quartets, mixed ensembles, and duos, often noted for their rich textures and formal clarity.

Wind Ensemble
Vocal

Michael Matthews’ vocal works explore the intersection of music and poetry, often setting texts by contemporary writers. His compositions for solo voice, voice with ensemble, and larger vocal forces are noted for their lyrical intensity, nuanced harmonic language, and sensitivity to the rhythm and meaning of words. These works have been commissioned and performed by distinguished singers and ensembles in Canada and internationally.

Theatre
Electroacoustic

Michael Matthews’ electroacoustic works blend acoustic instruments with electronic soundscapes. These compositions highlight his interest in spatialization and sonic exploration.

Choral
Solo
Young Performers

Orchestral

Chamber

Wind Ensemble

  • 2003 …far off, toward forgetting… Brass Ensemble (4.2.3.1), Percussion (2)
  • 2001 The Deeper Sky Picc.; Fl. 1, 2; Ob. 1, 2; Bsn. 1, 2, Cl. 1, 2, 3; Bass Cl.; Eb Contra Alto Cl. Sop. Sax.; Alto Sax.; Ten. Sax.; Bar. Sax. Tpt. 1, 2, 3; Hn. 1, 2, 3, 4; Tbn. 1, 2, 3; Euph.; Tuba Perc. 1, 2, 3, 4
  • 1998 Concerto for Percussion Picc.; Fl. 1, 2; Ob.; Eb Cl.; Cl. 1, 2; Eb Alto Cl.; Bass Cl.; Eb Contra Alto Cl.; Bsn. Sop. Sax.; Alto Sax.; Ten. Sax.; Bar. Sax. Tpt. 1, 2, 3, 4; Hn. 1, 2, 3, 4; Tbn. 1, 2, 3, 4 (=Bass Tbn.); Euph.; Tuba Percussion Solo Perc. 1, 2, 3, 4
  • 1994 Matrix Fl. 1, 2, 3; Ob.;Bsn.; Cl. 1, 2, 3; Bass Cl. A. Sax. 1, 2; Ten. Sax.; Bar. Sax. Hn. 1, 2, 3, 4; Tpt. 1, 2, 3; Tbn. 1, 2; Bass Tbn.; Tuba Perc. 1, 2, 3, 4; Piano
  • 1988 Wind Sketches 2 Oboes, 2 Clarinets, 2 Horns, 2 Bassoons
  • 1984 Prelude Symphonic Wind Ensemble
  • 1980 Sinfonia Concertante Wind Ensemble
  • 1978 Stones of the Sky Symphonic Wind Ensemble

Vocal

Theatre

Electroacoustic

Choral

Solo

For Young Performers