This haunting refrain was composed by Robinson McClellan and it can be sung in unison or as a canon in up to three parts. It incorporates a chanted text of Edward Henry Bickersteth, offering moments of quiet reflection between each statement of the refrain.
Honoring the text's roots, the composer has set the refrain in Gaelic.
"Peace, perfect peace."
"Sith lanachd sith."
Pronunciation: Shee, lahn-ahkt shee.
"Peace, perfect peace with sorrows surging round?
On Jesus' bosom naught but calm is found.
"Peace, perfect peace with loved ones far away?
In Jesus' keeping we are safe, and they.
"Peace, perfect peace our future all unknown?
Jesus we know, and he is on the throne.
"Peace, perfect peace death shadowing us and ours?
Jesus has vanquished death and all its powers."
Robinson has given faith communities permission to sing and share the song without restrictions.
Sheet music can be found in Singing In Community, our latest songbook published by Augsburg Fortress. It was first published in Music By Heart.
Here's a video of Marilyn Haskel leading Peace, Perfect Peace at St. Paul's Chapel in New York City:
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