Composer

:

Eriks Esenvalds

Genre

:

Choral

Average_duration

:

4:11

"Stars" is a choral composition by Latvian composer Eriks Esenvalds. It was composed in 2011 and premiered in the same year by the Choir of Trinity College Cambridge. The piece is divided into three movements, each of which explores a different aspect of the night sky. The first movement, titled "The Stars," is a serene and ethereal piece that features a solo soprano voice singing a melody that is then echoed by the choir. The music is slow and contemplative, evoking the stillness and beauty of the stars in the night sky. The second movement, "Only in Sleep," is a setting of a poem by the Latvian poet Sara Teasdale. The music is more lively and rhythmic than the first movement, with a driving beat and a sense of urgency. The choir sings the poem's words in Latvian, with the solo soprano voice returning to add a haunting counterpoint. The final movement, "Stars Can't Shine Without Darkness," is a powerful and dramatic piece that builds to a climactic finish. The music is more dissonant and complex than the previous movements, with the choir singing in a variety of different languages and the solo soprano voice soaring above them all. Throughout the piece, Esenvalds uses a variety of vocal techniques to create a rich and varied sound. The choir sings in both unison and harmony, with individual voices rising and falling in waves. The solo soprano voice is used sparingly but effectively, adding a haunting and otherworldly quality to the music. Overall, "Stars" is a stunning and evocative piece of choral music that captures the beauty and mystery of the night sky. Its three movements each offer a different perspective on the stars, from their serene beauty to their power and majesty. Esenvalds' use of vocal techniques and his skillful composition make this a piece that is both challenging and rewarding for choirs to perform.

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