Mark’s Music
Click here for information on commissioning a composition written by Mark. May God bless you for your support!
Though Mark has composed and arranged music since he was in high school, over the past fifteen years, it has been both the focus and passion of his musical life. That passion drives him to write music which, in his words, is “for the greater glory of God, and the edification of souls.” Mark grounds his writing firmly in the great ecclesiastical tradition of the western Church, using Gregorian Chant and the classical Roman polyphonic school, as exemplified by Giovanni da Palestrina (1525-94), as model, guide and inspiration.
Mark’s repertoire of liturgical (church) compositions is wide ranging. He has written numerous Latin motets, masses and Organum Novi Mundi (a Gregorian compositional technique he has pioneered), as well as many English hymns and responses.
In 2020, Mark, in conjunction with Motet films, produced five high quality videos of some of his sacred music. Also by Motet Films, a mini-documentary, CANTUS FIRMUS: The Music of Mark Emerson Donnelly was released in early 2021. Though a recording of an SSAA version of his Missa Sicut Cervus was release by the Benedictines of Mary (Ephesus) in 2022, a future projects dear to Mark’s heart, is to do a documented professional recording the SATB version of the mass. (See From Motet to Mass: Missa Sicut Cervus by mark Emerson Donnelly) This imitation or parody mass (this sounds like it’s a joke, but these are the real musical name for this compositional technique) is based on Palestrina’s famous double motet Sicut cervus / Sitivit anima mea.
Primarily a liturgical composer, Mark also writes secular choral arrangements and art songs. His epic musical setting of Alfred Noyes’ (1880-1958) classic ballad of love & death, The Highwayman, draws on Mark’s experience performing the songs of Franz Schubert (1797-1828) and Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958), among others.
Mark continues to add to his extensive repertoire of musical compositions. Learn how you can assist Mark in his mission to bring souls closer to God through the creation of new compositions grounded in the great musical tradition of the west.
Would you like to commission a composition for a special occasion? Click here for information on commissioning a composition written by Mark. May God bless you for your support!