The accompaniment of this piece exists in two versions:
A version - for strings, harp (or piano) and cymbals, which is intended for performance with a small chorus.

B version - for full orchestra (instrumentation as listed above) which is the version available here, intended for performance by a large chorus. It is also possible to perform this B version with reduced orchestra by omitting all of the brass with the exception of Horns 1 and 2.

Written just two years before Finzi’s death in 1956, In terra pax skillfully juxtaposes words of Robert Bridges (which are set for the baritone soloist) with the familiar Christmas passage from St Luke (set for the soprano soloist and chorus). With a childlike serenity of style, the work unites all its feelings, images and familiar events into one simple, shapely musical narrative. The choral writing falls into a series of short sections: while there is doubling in all four parts, in particular the soprano and tenor sections, and while there are some isolated moments of unaccompanied singing, the individual lines are not technically demanding. Given the varied possibilities of accompaniment, In terra pax is a work that is suited to choirs of all sizes. With its seasonal theme, it makes the most attractive center-piece for any Christmas choral programme.