Dona Nobis Pacem

Program Notes:

Contemporary Japanese composer Matsushita created this vibrant, triple choir call for peace for an international children’s choir festival in Kyoto in 2005.

Conductor Notes:

This is a gripping and energetic piece for triple choir, each of which is in three parts. Performing it antiphonally is very exciting and I recommend you strive for that, but the rhythmic interplay between the choirs can get out of hand if the acoustics of the performing space don’t allow the choirs to hear each other. This is a wonderful addition to the small body of truly rhythmic, almost visceral music for treble voices.

Text:

Dona nobis pacem.

Translation:

Grant us peace.