Iraqi Peace Song
SSA with Piano, Cello, and Percussion
Posted by Natalie Cardillo | ChoralPop
🕰 Style & Background
Iraqi Peace Song is a powerful unison choral setting of a traditional Iraqi lullaby, adapted with English and Arabic text to convey a message of unity, resilience, and peace. The arrangement is intentionally simple and lyrical, allowing the melody and message to shine. It’s especially meaningful in programs highlighting global connection, cultural respect, and humanitarian themes.
Folk Origin: Iraq (traditional lullaby)
Adapted by: Lori Tennenhouse
Language: Arabic and English
Style: Contemporary multicultural / world lullaby
Time Period: Traditional melody in a modern choral setting (21st century)
💡 Why This Piece Works
Iraqi Peace Song invites choirs to engage emotionally and musically with a theme of peace across cultures. Its accessible melody and harmonic simplicity make it perfect for developing singers, while the multilingual text and message offer powerful cross-cultural relevance. The piece is an excellent option for all-ages ensembles and cross-program collaborations.
🎯 Ideal for These Concerts
✅ World Music or Multicultural Concerts
✅ Peace-Themed/Thematic Programs
✅ Festival or School Unity Events
✅ Winter or Spring Concerts (as contrast piece)
✅ Elementary, Middle, or High School
⚠️ Graduation (if thematically tied to hope or global connection)
❌ Pops Concerts (not stylistically appropriate)
🌎 Geographic Origin
Melody: Traditional Iraqi lullaby
Arrangement: Contemporary U.S. composer (Lori Tennenhouse)
Text: Arabic and English
🎵 Musical Characteristics
Melodic Range
Key & Tonality
Primarily in G Minor
Modal touches (Middle Eastern tonality and ornamentation optional)
Solfege Accessibility: Moderate – diatonic melody; often accidentals
Rhythmic Complexity
Slow, lyrical 4/4
Mostly quarter and eighth notes
Some phrases require sustained breath and expressive rubato
Text Clarity & Diction
Combination of Arabic and English
Arabic pronunciation may require guidance or IPA support
Excellent opportunity to work on language contrast and vowel shaping
Harmonic Density
Focus remains on vocal clarity and message
Form & Repetition
Through-composed feel with some repeated phrases
Builds to a simple but impactful climax
Easily programmable and adaptable in length if needed
📩 Price Comparison Summary
Hal Leonard Unison Octavo $2.10 View
JW Pepper Unison Octavo $2.25 View
Sheet Music Plus Unison Octavo $2.15 View