Let There Be Peace on Earth

Description

Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass, Piano, Flute 1, Flute 2, Oboe, Clarinet in Bb, Bassoon, Horn in F 1, Horn in F 2, Trumpet in Bb 1, Trumpet in Bb 2, Trombone 1, Trombone 2, Tuba, Percussion 1, Percussion 2, Harp, Violin 1, Violin 2, Viola, Cello, Bass — Let There Be Peace on Earth has long been a favorite of church, community and school choirs across this country. From the first few measures of the introduction, a tone of reverence and dignity is heard. The arrangement gradually builds in strength arid intensity, sensitively supporting the beauty of the text. A half-step modulation in the second verse moves to the climactic ending, which echoes the phrase, "Let there be peace!" This is truly a song for our time. Anyone familiar with the music of Mark Hayes knows his special sensitivity and ingenuity in arranging for voices. From the first few measures, the reverence and dignity of this classic song are beautifully displayed, and the setting builds in strength and intensity to a climactic ending, which echoes the phrase, “Let there be peace!”