Instrument of Peace

Conductor Notes:

A moving setting of this famous text for SSA and piano. The architecture of the piece is beautifully shaped, with a contrasting B section that builds to a dramatic climax before returning to the simplicity of the opening melody. The text speaks beautifully throughout drawing the listeners in. Only a few bars will be challenging to less-confident singers, but these are soon understood.

Since we had a string quartet with us in one of the performances, Kelly-Marie rearranged the accompaniment for us. The parts are for advanced or professional players due to the tessitura of the violin 1 and the independence required of all players.

Where there is hatred let me bring love.
Where there is darkness let me bring light.
Where there is sadness let me bring joy.
Make me an instrument of peace.

Where there’s uncertainty let me bring faith.
Where there is injury let me forgive.
Where there is hopelessness let me bring hope.
Make me an instrument of peace.

Grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console.
To be understood as to understand
and to be loved but to love.

It is in giving that we receive.
And through forgiveness we find relief.
It is in loving that we find love.
Make me and instrument of peace.