CANTUS: Stars by Ēriks Ešenvalds

Here is the eighth installment from Cantus’ COVID-19 Sessions recorded live on March 17, 19, and 20.

The beauty and loneliness in Sara Teasdale’s poem "Stars" are captured perfectly by composer Ēriks Ešenvalds. We have all gazed up at the night sky with wonder at its majesty, and Ešenvalds’ piece captures Teasdale’s words elegantly.

We chose to record in the underground Westminster parking garage first for its acoustic, which gives the piece a stunning aural dimension. It has since taken on a deeper meaning and serves as a metaphor for those of us feeling increasingly trapped and isolated. We sing a song about the stars, 50 feet underground.

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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;

Up the dome of heaven
Like a great hill
I watch them marching
Stately and still

And I know that I
Am honored to be
Witness
Of so much majesty

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Please take a moment to follow our Facebook and YouTube pages and enjoy the rest of our COVID-19 Sessions.

Видео CANTUS: Stars by Ēriks Ešenvalds канала cantussings