Et In Terra Pax Variations for String Quartet

Score and Parts:

• Et_In_Terra_Pax_Variations_Score.pdf
• Et_In_Terra_Pax_Variations_Parts.zip

About Et In Terra Pax Variations for String Quartet:

This score began as an exercise for a class in 16th-century counterpoint. I was given an assignment to write a bit of counterpoint for the liturgical text, “Et in terra pax hominibus,” and ended up liking the theme well enough that I wanted to expand on it in a more contemporary fashion.

The theme (‘The Law’) is stated at first very simply and then is followed by seven variations, from very short to medium in length. Each variation is titled and inspired by one of the seven dispensations of the world’s existence, according to the theology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day saints:

1. Falling – The shortest variation and a descent into chaos.
2. Ideal Unattained – This variation is characterized by a series of attempts to return to ‘The Law’ which keep going astray.
3. World Immersed – In this variation the theme is turned upside down, elongated drastically and embellished freely, symbolic of the world immersed in water from the great flood.
4. Blood – The return of a peaceful, chant-like reinstatement of ‘The Law’ is contrasted with the agony of the great Atonement of Jesus Christ.
5. Apostasy – A sort of demented dance, moving away from the theme.
6. Ask – This variation floats groundlessly until it is pierced by a single note that is repeated over and over, the question of the young Joseph Smith Jr..
7. Fulness of Times – The truth is preached and fought against, ending in the dawn of the millenial day, when all men of goodwill will be at peace upon the earth (et in terra pax hominibus bonae voluntatis).

While all this was important to me in the creation of the piece, I don’t think you need understand the LDS symbolism fully to appreciate the piece musically. The juxtaposition of the Latin title and chant-like tune certainly broaden the invitation to peace beyond the confines of any one subset of Christianity. It is my belief that peace will be the inheritance of all men of goodwill.