DA Pacem

Da Pacem Domine is a Gregorian antiphon dating back to the High Middle Ages. It is a prayer for peace that
has inspired many composers over the centuries, from Gilles Binchois to Charles Gounod, from Carlo Gesualdo to
Arvo Pärt.
We also know that this was the chant sung by the Knights Templar as a prayer for victory. I quote this melody in full
in the epilogue to my piece, where it is given to the two alto voices.
I have also followed the example of Marcel Pérès who, in his recording of Da Pacem, interweaves the words of the
antiphon with several verses of Psalm 122.
The piece was written for the ten voices of the Tallis Scholars and is dedicated to them.
Philippe Hersant