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Read a review of The Tree of Peace (2006) for SATB chorus and piano by William R. Green, The Choral Journal.
Read the Oneida story that inspired the poem and music of this work.
Download an MP3 file of a performance of this work (SSA version) by the Bel Canto Youth Chorus of the Bach Choir of Bethlehem, Joy Hirokawa, conductor.
Download an MP3 file of a performance of this work (SSA version) by the St. Louis Women's Chorale, Scott Schoonover, conductor.
Download an MP3 file of a performance of this work (SSA version) by the "Feminine Tone" Chorus.
Download an MP3 file of a performance of this work (SSA version) by the Indianapolis Women's Chorus.
Download an MP3 file of this work (SSA and orchestra) performed by the Bella Voce Women's Chorus of Vermont, Dawn O. Willis, conductor.
Download an MP3 file of a performance of this work (SATB version) by the combined festival choruses at Aurora University, Lisa Fredenburgh, conductor
Download an MP3 file of a performance of this work (SATB version) by the Davis High School Chamber Choir, Karen Gardias, conductor.
Download an MP3 file of a performance of this work (SATB version) by the Wichita State University A Cappella Choir, Tom Wine, conductor.
Download an MP3 file of a performance of this work (SATB version) by The Master Singers of Worcester and the Salisbury Singers, Malcolm Halliday, conductor.
Download an MP3 file of a performance of this work (SATB version) by Inspirare, Mark L. Stamper, conductor.
Download an MP3 file of a performance of this work (SATB and orchestra) by the Western Colorado Chorale and the Grand Junction Symphony orchestra, Monte Atkinson, conductor.
Download an MP3 file of a performance of this work (SATB and orchestra) by the Plymouth State College New England Choral Festival, Dan Perkins, conductor.
Download an MP3 file of a performance of this work (TTBB and piano) by the Boston Gay Men's Chorus, Reuben Reynolds, conductor.
Download a PDF file of the choral score (SATB version) of this composition. For perusal only -- not printable.
Download a PDF file of the choral score (SSAA version) of this composition. For perusal only -- not printable.
Download a PDF file of the choral score (TTBB version) of this composition. For perusal only -- not printable.
Download a PDF file of the orchestra score (SATB and orchestra version) of this composition. For perusal only -- not printable.
Download a PDF file of the orchestra score (SSAA and orchestra version) of this composition. For perusal only -- not printable.
Download a PDF file of the orchestra score (TTBB and orchestra version) of this composition. For perusal only -- not printable.
Download a PDF file of the full score (SATB, brass quintet, percussion, and organ version) of this composition. For perusal only -- not printable. N.B.: This version is being tested and is not yet published. Please contact us with inquiries regarding score and parts.
Download a PDF file of the lyrics used in this work as well as the original John Greenleaf Whittier poem.
The text for The Tree of Peace has been adapted from the Quaker poem, "O Brother Man," by John Greenleaf Whittier (1807-1892). This contemporary adaptation of the poem broadens the scope of the original with more inclusive language, opening with: "O, my brother and my sister, all who walk upon this earth, fold to your hearts each other."
A new text fragment, "Listen, listen to one another," is introduced into the poem, and serves as an interlude between stanzas. The final sentence of the original poem becomes the focal point of this work, returning man times: "Love shall tread out the fire of anger, and in its ashes plant a tree of peace."
The musical setting reflects the dual nature of the title, Tree (strength) and Peace (tenderness). The work opens with accented chords in the piano accompaniment. These chords are marked "with strength." This is the conviction of The Tree of Peace.
The tender aspects are introduced in the arpeggio patterns in the piano. These are marked "flowing." And the related choral phrases refer to humanity ("O, my brother and my sister"), to mercy and to the peace of the Lord. Passages of tenderness alternate and intertwine with passages of strength to form a confluence of the message: a prayer for peace.
Notes by the composer
Errata in published editions:
SATB version only: m. 36, piano right hand: the chord should be C-D-E only (no G)
SATB version only: m. 79, tenor 2 should be C natural on the downbeat.