Published: 2014
Peace at the Last is a setting of words from John Henry Newman’s 19th Century sermon “Wisdom and Innocence”, a passionate plea for respite from the pressures of daily life and the ultimate hope of peace.
“May He support us all the day long, till the shades lengthen and the evening comes, and the busy world is hushed, and the fever of life is over, and our work is done. Then in His mercy may He give us a safe lodging, and a holy rest and peace at the last.”
Orchestra and choir join forces to create a kaleidoscope of musical ideas on this short musical journey, combining and contrasting rhythmic music, choral chanting, melismas, melodic lyricism and plaintive, choral sonority. The juxtaposition of musical ideas throughout reflects both the passion and tranquility of John Henry Newman’s comforting words which are just as appropriate and significant today as ever.
