Peace Like a River — April 24, 2020

Derived from a range of outstanding choral music, my themed Playlists are designed to be like concerts, of about an hour in length. The theme of this third Playlist in my series is peace, with several selections utilizing imagery of a river by and through which we experience peace. If music be the food of love, play on.

Listen on YouTube:

Listen on Spotify:

PROGRAM

Click the links for information on the pieces and texts/translations.

Super Flumina Babylonis Caleb Burhans (b. 1980)

 

By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down and wept when we remembered Zion.
On the willows in the midst thereof we hung up our harps.
For there they required of us, who had carried us away captive, a song, and those who had afflicted us, mirth: Sing to us from the songs of Zion.
How shall we sing the songs of the Lord in a strange land?
                    – Psalm 137:1-4

Performed by Choir of Trinity Wall Street, conducted by Julian Wachner

 

I Have Called You By Name

Stephen Paulus (1949-2014)

 

Text

Performed by True Concord, conducted by Eric Holtan

 

Verleih’ uns FriedenFelix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy (1809-1847)

 

Mercifully grant us peace,
Lord God, in our time.
There is none other
Who can struggle for us
But you alone, our God.
                    – Martin Luther

Performed by Kammerchor Stuttgart and Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Frieder Bernius

 

Arvo Pärt (b. 1935)

Littlemore Tractus

 

Background and Text

Performed by Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, conducted by Paul Hillier

 

Agnus Dei (from Mass for Double Choir) Frank Martin (1890-1974)

Translation

Performed by Bavarian Radio Chorus, conducted by Peter Dijkstra

 

Dona Nobis Pacem (from Mass in B-Minor)J.S. Bach (1685-1750)

 

Grant us peace.

Performed by Monteverdi Choir and English Baroque Soloists, conducted by John Eliot Gardiner

 

Water NightEric Whitacre (b. 1970)

 

Performed by Eric Whitacre Singers, conducted by Eric Whitacre

 

There Will Be RestFrank Ticheli (b. 1958)

 

Text

Performed by Phoenix Chorale and Kansas City Chorale, conducted by Charles Bruffy (Spotify); Vox Humana, conducted by David Childs (YouTube)

 

At the River (from Old American Songs)Setting by Aaron Copland (1900-1990); Arr. for
choir by Raymond Wilding-White (1922-2001)

 

Text

Performed by Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Utah Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Michael Tilson Thomas

 

Down in the River to PrayArr. David Mennicke (b. 1961)

 

Text

Performed by National Lutheran Choir, conducted by David Cherwien

 

Down by the RiversideArr. John Rutter (b. 1945)

 

Background and Text

Performed by Cambridge Singers and BBC Concert Orchestra, conducted by John Rutter