We Shall Walk through the Valley in Peace
SATB divisi choir, Soli group, unaccompanied
Negro Spiritual
Inception of this song was rather tumultuous. There were many times when trying to begin composing that I was unable to decide how to start the song. Towards the end of the process, I was disturbed in regard to the completion of certain sections. As ironic as it may seem, peace did not seem to abound while composing a song about peace.
I had always wondered how to use “Agnus Dei” from the Roman Catholic liturgy along with one of the most beautiful Negro spirituals collected. After internalizing the text, things began to flow. Many things came to mind before, during, and after the compositional process began. Some collections of this spiritual actually use “We shall walk through the valley of the shadow of death.” Considering that text from Psalm 23 put many things into perspective when thinking about what the original composers of this spiritual thought when singing this song. So much happened in their personal and familial lives that would have easily caused them to doubt God. However, they knew that “if Jesus Himself would be our leader,” then they could have peace through it all no matter what happens to them or what challenges may have been brought their way.
The time signature, tempo marking, and metronome marking were not chosen haphazardly. The ease of conducting pattern (when considering the time signature), feeling of sustained chords, and number that is average for an adult resting heart rate all coincide with the feeling of peace. The first verse uses sustained chords to evoke stillness from the start. The second verse provides a contrast between the syncopated pulses of the choir against the stillness of the verse by the tenor soli group without seeming busy or fussy. The last verse is a reminder that whatever we may have lost (whether they are family members, friends, or emotions), with Jesus leading and guiding us, we will have peace and shall regain them in due time.
This song is dedicated to the three women in my life who I love very much and always reminded me that no matter what is going on in my life, I must keep Him first in order to have peace.
Pax Peace
Agnus Dei, dona nobis pacem. Lamb of God, grant us peace.
We shall walk through the valley in peace,
If Jesus Himself will be our leader,
we shall walk through the valley in peace.
There will be no more weeping there,
there will be no more sorrows there,
If Jesus Himself will be our leader,
we shall walk through the valley in peace.
We will meet our loved ones there,
If Jesus Himself will be our leader,
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil.
We shall walk through the valley in peace.