Peace for Humankind

A musical plea to humanity to live in harmony with one another. The composition is based on the pitches E, A, and C from the word "peace," with F from the tonal center D added to form an ancient Greek Phrygian pentatonic scale to represent the letter P (since the Renaissance, this has been called the Dorian mode). The phrase is spelled out calmly from the start with the pitches in order and gradually grows in intensity as the motif is passed around the orchestra. The dramatic tremolos, suspended dissonances, and swells reflect the heartache and suffering as a result of contentious conflicts in our world. The motif morphs as the work progresses but returns to its original order at the tranquil conclusion to signify hope for restored peace within and between nations.