DONA NOBIS PACEM is from an old Latin liturgical text offering a prayer to peace. The melody is very calm and peaceful. Alfred Bösendorfer wanted to emphasise the pleading character of the text “Give us peace”, so he added a introductory phrase that sounds like a question. Combined with the original melody, this creates a complete musical statement expressing a plea for peace.

DONA NOBIS PACEM is a rewarding song – both for the young musicians and the composer – because its phrasing is wonder...