Lest we forget-- one attempt to remember 9/11

by Pat Laster

One of my sisters is also a church musician, but in Arlington, Virginia near DC. She makes lemonade out of lemons. In her new position at a Presbyterian church in the area, she has begun another community chorus, the NoVA Lights Chorale.
The group’s inaugural performance is this Sunday, September 11. In honor and memory of this date in history, the chorus will present a program entitled, The World Sings for Peace. Preceding the concert, the NoVA Lights Community Handbell Choir will play Michael Helman’s “Prayer for Peace.”
Mr. Helman concludes his program notes with this paragraph: “The four opening chords of this piece represent the four planes that crashed that day. The chords include all 12 tones of the chromatic scale to symbolize the effect that terrorism has on everyone. My hope is that this composition may be a prayer for an end to terrorism, and for peace throughout the world.”
The northeastern section of our country is more diversified than the central part of the nation. Thus, musical programs are broader in depth, width and breadth.
A partial listing of the music follows by title, composer, history and, where necessary, a translation. Barbara has given me permission to share this with you.
“Da Pacem Cordium,” a traditional Latin text meaning ‘Give peace to every heart.’
The reading of a hymn written especially for the Tenth Anniversary of September 11th by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, “O God, Our Hearts Were Shattered.” Her hymns can be found on the websites of many denominations.
“For Peace,” text and music by Jane Marshall and composed for the World Council of Churches’ Decade to Overcome Violence (2001-2010)
“Ose Shalom,” traditional Hebrew text; music by J. Leavitt. Translation: ‘The one who makes peace in the heavens, may he make peace for us, and for all Israel, and let us say Amen.’
“Workin’ for the Dawn of Peace” combines two Civil War songs arranged by R. Jeffers.
“Down by the Riverside,” with “I Got Peace Like a River” arranged by B. Adams.
“Like Rain Upon the Mown Field” is based on Psalm 72; music by K. Lee. Sung in Korean.
“Prayer of St. Francis,” the text attributed to St. Francis of Assisi; music by R. A. Bass.
“Amani,” text and music by A. Snyder. Swahili translation: ‘We are singing our song. This is our song of peace.’
“Iraqi Peace Song,” is a traditional Iraqi lullaby arranged by L. Tennenhouse. English interpretation by K. Iveland: ‘Peace to the world. Peace to my country, my love. Peace to your dreams. Peace to your children. Underneath the whispering trees, where our sons and daughters are free; in the beauty we will see through your eyes of peace.’
“Pacem,” traditional Latin, music by L. Dengler. Translation: ‘Give us peace. And on earth peace to all of good will.’
“Sing For Peace,” words and music by J. Papoulis & F. J. Nunez.
The penultimate selection is a reading by Rabbi Lia Bass, Etz Hayim Congregation of a selection from “Between the Fires,” by Rabbi A. Waskow. Rabbi Waskow directs The Shalom Center.
The final piece is the beloved hymn, “Let There be Peace on Earth.”
May your thoughts and mine be on ways to promote peace beyond merely singing and listening. Amen. #