Composer

:

John Rutter

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Chorus

Average_duration

:

3:05

'Lord, Make Me an Instrument of Thy Peace' is a choral composition by John Rutter, a British composer and conductor. The piece was composed in 1997 and premiered in the same year by the Cambridge Singers, a choir founded and directed by Rutter himself. The composition is based on the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi, which is a well-known prayer in the Christian tradition. The prayer is a plea for peace, love, and understanding, and it has been set to music by many composers over the centuries. Rutter's setting of the prayer is a four-part choral arrangement, with a simple and elegant melody that is easy to sing and remember. The piece is divided into three movements, each of which reflects a different aspect of the prayer. The first movement is a gentle and peaceful setting of the opening lines of the prayer, "Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace." The second movement is more lively and upbeat, reflecting the lines "Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon." The final movement is a quiet and reflective setting of the closing lines of the prayer, "For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life." The characteristics of Rutter's composition are typical of his style, which is known for its accessibility, simplicity, and beauty. The melody is easy to sing and remember, and the harmonies are lush and rich. The piece is suitable for both amateur and professional choirs, and it has become a popular choice for church services, weddings, and other occasions. Overall, 'Lord, Make Me an Instrument of Thy Peace' is a beautiful and inspiring choral composition that reflects the timeless message of St. Francis of Assisi's prayer. Rutter's setting of the prayer is a testament to his skill as a composer and his ability to create music that is both accessible and profound.

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