Peaceful was the Night

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.