And Sure Stars Shining

Composed by Z. Randall Stroope
Voicing: SATB
Instrumentation: piano
Catalog number: AMP 1085
Price: $2.40

SSA version: AMP 1084

To see and listen on YouTube, click here

AND SURE STARS SHINING…

About the work…

There will be rest, and sure stars shining,
Over the roof-tops crowned with snow.
A reign of rest, serene forgetting,
The music of stillness holy and low.

I will make this world of my devising,
Out of a dream in my lonely mind,
I shall find the crystal of peace, -- above me
Stars I shall find.

Sara Teasdale

One of the many characteristics of a great poem is that it spawns multiple interpretations - words that speak on many levels to a wide audience. Such is the case with this poem by Sara Teasdale. In my view, the “person” in the poem, realizing there is a beautiful world ahead with “sure stars shining” and peace as pure as “crystal,” quickens their footsteps to that place where they will “make a world of their own devising,” pure as fresh snow on roof-tops, and as wonderful as a traveler among the stars. It is, in fact, a sense of freedom and realized destiny from the deepest place in one':s soul. It is euphoric. This musical setting seeks to capture that internal ecstasy and “beyond this world utopia” that was the reality Sara Teasdale so wanted, and seemingly never achieved. “Music holy and low” is a metaphor for her “quiet” assurance that a better world waits ahead.

Secondly, I believe the real essence of the poem is in the resolution of her quest - “I will make this world of my devising” and “I shall find” peace and “I shall find” stars. Passion is not just a momentary infatuation, flare-up or daydream. True passion is ever churning and active, giving focus and meaning to life - a tugging, constant driving force that clarifies one':s vision and “mission” every day. The first stanza of the poem is the description of a better place (the “noun”), but the “verb” in the poem is the second stanza - “I will make the world of my devising.” Teasdale chose this passionate and resolute stanza to end this poem. Hence, this musical setting is actively stirring, and embraces a hope that dreams may someday become a reality.

p> About the composer
Please refer to the “composer” tab at the top of this page or go to www.zrstroope.com
for a complete biography and list of works.

Click here to see a sample.

Click here to listen to a recording (MP3).



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