Composer

:

Eric William Barnum

Genre

:

Choral

Average_duration

:

5:18

"The Stars Stand Up in Air" is a choral composition by Eric William Barnum, an American composer and conductor. The piece was composed in 2011 and premiered on March 3, 2012, by the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Concert Choir, conducted by Dr. Gary R. Schwartzhoff. The composition is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character and mood. The first movement, "The Stars Stand Up in Air," is a setting of a poem by Gerard Manley Hopkins. The music is ethereal and atmospheric, with the choir singing in a gentle, flowing style. The text speaks of the beauty and wonder of the night sky, and the music captures this sense of awe and reverence. The second movement, "The Moon is Distant from the Sea," is a setting of a poem by Emily Dickinson. The music is more rhythmic and energetic than the first movement, with the choir singing in a lively, syncopated style. The text speaks of the distance between the moon and the sea, and the music captures this sense of separation and longing. The third movement, "The World is Too Much With Us," is a setting of a poem by William Wordsworth. The music is more contemplative and introspective than the previous movements, with the choir singing in a gentle, reflective style. The text speaks of the distractions and pressures of modern life, and the music captures this sense of disillusionment and longing for a simpler, more meaningful existence. Overall, "The Stars Stand Up in Air" is a beautiful and evocative choral composition that showcases Barnum's skill as a composer. The music is rich and complex, with intricate harmonies and textures that create a sense of depth and richness. The text is also beautifully set, with the music enhancing and amplifying the meaning and emotion of the words.

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