Par MCCARTHY JAMES. The words of Peaceful was the Night are taken from John Milton s ode On the Morning of Christ s Nativity, written in 1629. Milton describes the universe halting in utter stillness at the moment of Christ s appearing on the earth. (As the poet wrote: His reign of peace upon the Earth began. ) In James McCarthy s carol, the voices play a dual role, as narrator, and by evoking the atmosphere of a singular moment of frozen time. Although commissioned by Sonoro for performance during the Christmas period, this singable, lyrical setting would fit well into a programme of music suitable for any time of the year. / Date parution : 1905-07-10/ Feuillet / SSAA a Cappella
