Dona nobis pacem (SSATTBB version)

Winner of Top Honors in the 2002 Waging Peace Through Singing Project, composed in the aftermath of 9/11, and since performed all over the world, Dona nobis pacem is a contrapuntal setting of the last three words of the Agnus Dei from the traditional Latin Mass, which mean “grant us peace.”  The piece unfolds slowly and gently, exploring the wide range of sounds available to the chorus along the way—from the very low and hushed to the very high and powerfully loud.  Its main melodic idea is a simple line ascending stepwise from E-flat to B-flat, then rising to C and finally settling back down on B-flat.  This melody occurs three times over the course of the piece: at the beginning, sung by the first tenors; in the middle of the piece, sung by the baritones as the music enters the harmonically dark Eb minor; and at the end following an intense climax, sung again by the baritones and joined by the altos.  Dona nobis pacem fits naturally on programs concerning war and peace, but has also become a Christmastime favorite.  Originally for TTBB.  SATB divisi.  8.5"x11".  Duration approx. 4' 30".

Published by E.C. Schirmer Music Company and distributed by Canticle Distributing; to purchase, click here (external site).  $2.80.