A Stand for Peace
( s a t b )
On June 12, 2016, 49 people were killed and 53 wounded in a senseless act of violence at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida in what was then the worst mass shooting in American history. A Stand for Peace takes the words of William Shakespeare and honors those victims with a call for peace and unity amidst such tragedy.
An exquisite and thought -provoking choral composition. With each performance, listeners will hear something new. The emotional impact of Shakespeare’s lyrics is mirrored in the soothing melodic passages and pulsing rhythmic patterns that are followed by unexpected but beautiful harmonies. The composition has pentatonic elements, meter changes, slightly clustered chords and warm dissonant punctuations. Sopranos soar high to emphasize “our peace shall stand firm as rocky mountains”. Harmonic unity and consonance underscores the final message “for one touch of nature makes the whole world kin.”
When wasteful war shall statues overturn,
And broils root out the work of masonry,
Nor Mars his sword war's quick fire shall burn
the living record of your memory.
From Sonnet 55
I have in equal balance justly weigh'd
what wrongs our arms may do,
what wrongs we suffer,
and find our griefs heavier than our offense.
Our peace shall stand as firm as rocky mountains.
From Henry IV, Part II (1599)
One touch of nature makes the whole world kin.
From Troilus and Cressida (1602)
~ William Shakespeare
Language: English
Lyrics: William Shakespeare, adapted
Tune adapted from "Farewell to Lochaber"
Duration: 5'