‘CHRISTMAS – PEACE ON EARTH’ IS THE LEADING MOTIVE OF THE STRING QUARTET, A TENET OF FAITH AS WELL AS AN EXPRESSION OF HOPE. IN THE FIRST PART OF THE WORK VASKS USES THEMES FROM A WELL-KNOWN CHRISTMAS CAROL, WHILE THE SECOND PART IS STRONGLY INFLUENCED MODERATO - ALLEGRO ENERGICO - ADAGIO - MODERATO-ALLEGRO