I Heard Voices is a simple, poignant cry for peace using words and images drawn from multiple sources. Musical references are made to Beethoven’s setting of “Dona nobis pacem” from his Missa Solemnis. 

 

 

Agnus Dei

 

Little Lamb who made thee

Dost thou know who made thee

Gave thee life...

Gave thee such a tender voice

                   [William Blake]

 

I heard Voices, and each one seem'd to pray for peace,

And for compassion, to the Lamb of God

That taketh all sins away. Their prelude still

Was "Agnus Dei"; and through all the choir,

One voice, one measure ran, that perfect seem'd

The concord of their song.        

                   [Dante Alighieri - The Divine Comedy, Purgatory, Canto XVI]

 

Let the earth hear, and the world:

Peace! Peace to them that are far off, and peace to them that are near.

                   [Isaiah 57:19]

 

Dona nobis pacem