Update Title: 41528F29-CD6E-421D-820C-967E93BD91B0

ID

Titlecode

Title Name

Marketing Copy

Instrumentation

Commission

Dedication

Program Notes

FOR PEACE AND HOPE, a benediction, is an orchestral interpretation of the American
spiritual, “Let Us Break Bread Together.” This is a gentle, yet powerful, prayer of healing and
uniting.
Let us break bread together on our knees.
Let us break bread together on our knees.
When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun,
O Lord, have mercy on me.
The music opens with peaceful brass chords (perhaps expressive of joining together in
harmony), followed by cascading “tear-like” patterns in the winds. The theme then enters in
the strings, with a solo flute, as the one, quiet voice of prayer.
Subsequent thematic entrances (verses of the song) grow in dynamics and tempi. The second
verse, “Let us love one another,” is presented in the horns and trombones. And the third
verse, “Let our tears flow together,” is heard in the woodwinds and strings.
A contrasting middle section has been created within this benediction. The texture thins down
to arpeggio patterns in the celli, with soli winds in counterpoint above. This is a time for
individual reflection, rather than communal prayer.
Soon, the strings re-enter and gather energy for final verse, “May our song rise together.” This
triumphant statement features the brass with the melody. The strings and winds provide
surrounding affirmation, and often play ascending phrases, expressive of the lyrics:
May our song rise together.
May our song rise together.
May our song rise together,
And bring us peace.
FOR PEACE AND HOPE is the second in a set of American Songs for Orchestra. Each of
these “songs” (which can function as an overture or separate orchestral selection) will be
based on a familiar American song. The premise will be to expand upon the song, and explore
its musical character, through orchestral presentation
– notes by the composer –

Title Brand

Year Composed

Copyright Number

Copyright Year

Duration

Ensemble Size

Date Created

Date Updated

Inhouse Note

Bsc Code

Text Author

Premier Performance Memo

Recording Credits

Review

Awards

Title Category

Title Movements

Title Grade

Set Series ID

Title Instrument Category Text

Title Sub Category Text

Title Sub Category

Title Instrument Header

Title Grade Text

Clean Url