Dilworth, Rollo: Give Us Our Peace

Craig Hella Johnson Choral Series

The great poet and essayist Langston Hughes used the power of words to speak out against racism, division, poverty and greed. In this new setting of the poem Give Us Our Peace, we first hear the African American spiritual I've Been in the Storm So Long. Once the historical context is established, a treble chorus - representing the role of innocent children - enter singing Dona Nobis Pacem (grant us peace). Finally, the mixed chorus enters with the bluesy/gospel theme that carries the rest of the song. Powerful and inspiring.