Stars, by Ēriks Ešenvalds

Описание: Quire of Cheahs presents the luminous "Stars" by Ēriks Ešenvalds, an adapted setting of the celebrated eponymous poem by Sara Teasdale. The work was commissioned and composed for Salt Lake Vocal Artists/Salt Lake Choral Artists and Brady Allred in 2011. The composer's favorite tuned wine glasses are a constant presence in the piece, a glistening accompaniment to the glowing simplicity of this vision of "beating hearts of fire" seen overhead on a still, dark night. The wondrousness of a "heaven full of stars" is evoked by a radiant chorale before a repeated oscillation of a pair of chords –– adding to the magic –– recedes into silence.

Embracing the challenges of multitracking, especially during this global COVID-19 pandemic, the Quire has chosen to use a synthesised effect to mimic the sounds of the tuned glasses and Tibetan bowls. It is hoped that this technological "adaptation" will still effectively capture the essence and spirit of the work.

––
Alone in the night
On a dark hill
With pines around me
Spicy and still,

And a heaven full of stars
Over my head,
White and topaz
And misty red;

Myriads with beating
Hearts of fire
The aeons
Cannot vex or tire;

The dome of heaven
Like a great hill.

I know I
Am honored to be
Witness
Of so much majesty.