On the Faces of the World

Description

Soprano 1, Soprano 2, Alto, Percussion, Solo Voices — When I received this text from talented lyricist Louise Phillips, I carried it with me for several months so that, rather than working on it, I could allow it to work on me. Finally, something began to emerge.It starts with the peaceful, introspective. It’s the feeling deep inside of me:xa0 peace. But as the text unfolds, we learn that peace is much more than a feeling. It’s all of us coming together, reaching out, searching, striving. Peace is active!And so, the piece follows that natural need for movement with a burst of forward momentum, as we all seek to find peace on the faces of the world.And from the faces of the world come voices in many different languages, each joining together in a call for peace.Amani (Swahili) ah-MAH-neeSanti (Pakistani/Indian) SAHN-teeSalaam (Arabic) sah-LAHMShalom (Hebrew) shah-LOHMHeiwa (Japanese) HEY-wahMir (Russian) meerPyong-hwa (Korean) pyohng-hwahPace (Italian) PAH-chehPeace (English) peess Mark Burrows wonderfully captures the essence of peace in this piece, well-suited to treble ensembles of all sizes and abilities. In the words of the composer: "Peace is much more than a feeling. It’s all of us coming together, reaching out, searching, striving. Peace is active!" The music expresses that need for action and coming together with beautiful forward momentum, making for an inspiring and uplifting piece. Also available for SATB Voices (BL1152).