To the Stars (SATB)

  • Title To the Stars (SATB)
  • Year 2003
  • Instr satb
  • Duration 4 min
  • Categories Vocal
  • Publisher C.F. Peters (Wise Music)
  • Texts Orphic Hymn (circa. 300 AD)
  • AlternatesTo the Stars
    Version for six voices (soprano, mezzo-soprano, countertenor/alto, tenor, baritone, bass)

To the Stars is based on an hymn probably composed circa 300 A. D. by a cult in Asia Minor devoted to Orphism, the ancient religion centered around the legend of Orpheus. The musical setting incorporates two features that harken back to previous eras. First, a quick grace-note embellishment figure within the opening motif is a nod to the sound of ancient Greek as it might have been spoken (based on my recollection of a play that attempted the spoken language’s revival). Secondly, the polyphonic lines pay homage to a style of choral writing traditionally associated with formative periods of Western music.” LK

First Performance:
New York Virtuoso Singers, Harold Rosenbaum, conductor
Leonard Nimoy Talia Theatre, NYC, June 4, 2008