Canticle of Peace
One month after the February 7, 2008 shootings at the Kirkwood City Hall, Kirkwood United Methodist Church hosted well known composer Joseph M. Martin for a weekend series of rehearsals, worship services and a concert of his music. As the church music ministry approached the event we had discussed the possibility of commissioning an anthem for our Chancel Choir. When commissioning a piece of music, discussion between composer and the group sponsoring the commissioning must occur about the style of the piece, for whom it will be written, and for what occasion.
In the series of discussions it became apparent that during the month following this horrific tragedy the community of Kirkwood had been severely impacted and the wounds were deep. Kirkwood United Methodist Church, through its pastor David Bennett and through its congregation members, was participating in various community groups and organizations to promote healing and understanding and peace within the immediate and extended community.
As negotiations for the piece took shape with Joseph Martin, the theme of the text was decided: healing and understanding. The piece was to be received in ample time for Chancel Choir rehearsals that would lead to the premiere on the weekend of the first anniversary of the tragedy in February 2009. Canticle of Peace is appropriate as prayer and can be performed by small or large choirs with piano or organ accompaniment. The poetry includes the second line of the "Gloria" from the ordinary of the mass: et in terra pax hominibus which translates "and on earth peace to all mankind". Also included in the text is the final line from the "Agnus Dei" dona nobis pacem which translates "grant us peace." The original text written by Austin, Texas, composer Joseph Martin is quoted below. The melody and accompaniment is original composition specifically for the setting of this text. The anthem commissioning was funded by Ronald and Patricia Krieger, members of the Chancel Choir of Kirkwood United Methodist Church and residents of Kirkwood, Missouri.
Peace, fall like a gentle snow.
Fall fresh on the wounded heart.
Come blanket our ev’ry fear
And let the healing start.
Cover ev’ry anxious thought,
And all our fears erase.
May we know the tender touch of love’s redeeming grace.
Hope, come like a silver star.
Shine down on our solemn night.
May you lead to a golden dawn
and morning’s promised light.
Let shadows of violence vanish.
Let us find tomorrow’s sure embrace.
May we know the tender touch of love’s redeeming grace.
Grant us peace.
Dona nobis pacem.
Et in terra pax hominibus. Bonae voluntatis.
Dona nobis pacem.
Peace fall like a gentle snow.
Peace.
The piece is in manuscript at the current time and will be performed for worship on Sunday, February 8, 2009