Commissioned by Armonico Consort to mark the 85th anniversary of the Coventry Blitz, Peace in Our Time is a profoundly moving reflection on humanity’s enduring quest for reconciliation amidst turmoil. Originally scored for choir, orchestra, and organ, this masterful brass band transcription beautifully captures the emotional weight of John Oxenham’s evocative poetry and the timeless plea of Psalm 122.
The work opens in hushed reverence, where distant muted cornets, a dark bass pedal, and a fragile, militaristic snare drum set a shadowed, contemplative scene. Out of this delicate landscape emerges a poignant cornet solo that yields to the expressive voice of the solo flugel horn, carrying the opening text with quiet conviction before introducing the solemn reminder: “O pray for peace, peace in Jerusalem.”
As the piece progresses, the setting turns darker and more restless. Harmonic tension builds through rich brass textures to reflect the fears, divisions, and heavy costs of historical and modern conflict.
From this emotional turbulence rises a bold, ceremonial fanfare that marks a dramatic turning point, ushering in a glorious, expansive setting of the poem’s final verse. Yet rather than ending in simple triumph, the music gently recedes into a serene and tender stillness. The final bars leave performers and audiences alike with a quiet, lingering echo - a persistent hope for peace that resonates just as deeply today as it did 85 years ago.
This substantial work is an extraordinary addition to any brass band library, serving as an ideal centerpiece for Remembrance Sunday, historical commemorations, church services or serious concert programming.
To view a multimedia presentation of the piece with audio please visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2BKI_GCegw
The multimedia presentation is available on request withe purchase of this work - please email info@brookwrightmusic.com to receive a link to download it.
To view a video performance of the original work for choir, orchestra and organ please visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6o6PJJVKCo
Duration: approx. 8.45 minutes
Difficulty Level: 2nd Section +
This PDF download includes the full score and parts.
Sheet music available at www.brassband.co.uk (UK) or https://satradecentral.org (USA)
Instrumentation:
Soprano Cornet Eb
Solo Cornet Bb
Repiano Cornet Bb
2nd Cornet Bb
3rd Cornet Bb
Flugel Horn Bb
Solo Horn Eb
1st Horn Eb
2nd Horn Eb
1st Baritone Bb
2nd Baritone Bb
1st Trombone Bb
2nd Trombone Bb
Bass Trombone
Euphonium Bb
Bass Eb
Bass Bb
Timpani
Percussion 1-2