The Peacemakers

"The Peacemakers is inspired by Leymah Gbowee’s book, Mighty Be Our Powers – the story of Leymah’s organizing the Liberian women into peaceful protest against the Liberian dictator, Charles Taylor. Ultimately, Taylor was forced from power, and years of violent civil war were brought to an end. The chamber music comprises four movements which parallel the course of the book: a time of innocence, changes, what is lost, and great shall be thy peace. The connection between the book and the music is created through narrative poetry shaped from Gbowee’s memoir by Martha Greene Eads. It is envisioned that the poems be read aloud before the playing of each of the movements of chambermusic. Although the music can stand on its own without the reading, the full presentation will be most effective. An introductory section features tapping on the instruments, suggestive of drumming. This is followed by the “dance” theme, presented in the clarinet. The language is tonal and straightforward, with the simple exuberance of youth. A middle section introduces strains of the Lutheran hymn tune, “A Mighty Fortress is Our God.” The melody, which floats above the accompaniment, may be heard as the voice of the father (or Father in Heaven), watching over the child. The dance theme returns and then fades into the night. All is well in this child’s world." -Gwyneth Walker