Video Information

• Choir: Matthew Curtis - Choral Tracks
• Piece: Da pacem Domine
• Composer:  David Rain
• Voices:  SAATBB
• Sheet Music:   www.leadingnote.com/produ...  
• Genres: A cappella, Classical, Sacred
• "Da pacem Domine" is dedicated to two of my dear relatives named James.
  
  I felt the inspiration to start this piece in the weeks leading up to the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I, in which my dear grandfather Jimmy Rain (1895-19...  more"Da pacem Domine" is dedicated to two of my dear relatives named James.
  
  I felt the inspiration to start this piece in the weeks leading up to the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I, in which my dear grandfather Jimmy Rain (1895-1974) had served in the Canadian forces, in one of the most dangerous roles, as a runner in northwestern France. This song honours his memory and the love that he showed me as a boy and a young man growing up.
  
  Shortly after starting this piece, I then learned that my dear cousin Jamie Shaw (1959-2019) was gravely ill and with his permission, I have dedicated this piece to him as well. Jamie's courage, good spirit and humour throughout his illness was an inspiration to all of us who knew him.
  
  "Da pacem Domine" is a musical search for peace: both external peace, between individuals, groups, societies, nations; and internal peace, to find a restful spot within the soul, amidst the serious tensions and conflicts seemingly inherent in the human stream of existence. It explores the basic question: whether we can find peace on our own, or whether we need guidance from some higher power or energy force.
  
  Da pacem Domine Give peace, O Lord,
  in diebus nostris in our time
  quia non est alius beacause there is no one else
  qui pugnet pro nobis who will fight for us
  nisi tu Deus noster. if not you, our God.
  
  Sincere thanks to Matthew Curtis (choraltracks.com) for recording "Da pacem Domine."
  
  As always, comments are welcomed. Email me at rain@magma.ca, if you'd like more info.
  
  I would like to acknowledge the a cappella choir that I sing in, The Stairwell Carollers, and our director Pierre Massie, for their musical inspiration these past 26 years.
  
  I would also like to thank my friends in our "Ad hoc Chorale" for testing out this piece in one of our informal workshops and offering valuable comments.
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