Merrill Jenson, composer of the score for Emma Smith—My Story, recently shared his personal insights about the music found on the newly released soundtrack.
“To help with the story’s narrative, particular hymn tunes of the period were used to express the emotions Emma might have felt as she struggled with life’s trials,” Jenson said. “‘Shall We Meet Beyond the River’ seemed a perfect fit. The hymn could stand as a metaphor for Emma longing for a reunion of her lost children as well as a call for future generations of her family to reunite.” It is included in the score.
The hymn “If You Could Hie to Kolob” also became a major thematic idea. Jenson said it is first heard simply, just hinting at the melody. As Emma’s story is further revealed, a little more harmonic complexity is introduced to the hymn. Then later, as the story progresses the hymn becomes more recognizable. The film concludes with the hymn’s full choral version.