For trebles SSA and horn (or cello or clarinet)
Suitable for women’s chorus or children’s chorus
Text: Missa pro defunctis and Emily Dickinson
Duration: 5 min
This is an early version of a movement of Amherst Requiem.
Published by Santa Barbara Music Publishing SBMP 279.
Here is a recording featuring Cantabile Children’s Chorus under Signe Boyer, with the composer playing horn.
In the Latin text, the chorus begs Jesus to grant rest to the dead. Emily Dickinson’s poem describes preparing a coffin for burial. Sunrise was a symbol of the resurrection; in the second stanza, Dickinson hopes that the dead will remain asleep until the true dawn of the Day of Judgment.
Pie Jesu Domine, Merciful Lord Jesus,
dona eis requiem. grant them rest.
Ample make this Bed –
Make this Bed with Awe –
In it wait till Judgment break
Excellent and Fair.
Be its Mattress straight –
Be its Pillow round –
Let no Sunrise’ yellow noise
Interrupt this Ground –
Pie Jesu Domine, Merciful Lord Jesus,
dona eis requiem. grant them rest.