‘Stars Above, Earth Below’ (2019)
For SATB choir
Approx. Duration: 4’
Written for the BBC Singers
A setting of ‘Leaves’ by Sara Teasdale
‘'Stars Above, Earth Below' (2019) is a hopeful and reflective setting of the poem 'Leaves' by Sara Teasdale (1884-1933). The piece begins with celestial, descending lines across the vocal parts to represent each falling leaf as, 'one by one, like leaves from a tree, all my faiths have forsaken me.' The piece then moves from reflection to revelation as the music opens out, looking up to the stars and down to the earth, observing the beauty of the natural world around us. The work is introspective, lamenting over the loss of the 'leaves I knew', but it ultimately turns into understated promise as the 'little leaves that die, have left me room to see the sky' depicting transformation through loss, from one season to the next. The piece returns to the celestial, ethereal falling lines at its conclusion, expressing appreciation for the beauty of the stars above, earth below.’ ©G.E.M.2019
LEAVES
ONE by one, like leaves from a tree,
All my faiths have forsaken me;
But the stars above my head
Burn in white and delicate red,
And beneath my feet the earth
Brings the sturdy grass to birth.
I who was content to be
But a silken-singing tree,
But a rustle of delight
In the wistful heart of night,
I have lost the leaves that knew
Touch of rain and weight of dew.
Blinded by a leafy crown
I looked neither up nor down—
But the little leaves that die
Have left me room to see the sky;
Now for the first time I know
Stars above and earth below.
- Sara Teasdale
©Cover Image: 'Stars Above' Painting by Grace-Evangeline Mason 2019