Eriks Esenvalds is a Latvian composer known for his contemporary choral and orchestral compositions. One of his notable works is "Stars," a composition for choir and string orchestra. Here are some interesting facts about the piece:
Inspiration: "Stars" is inspired by the poem "Stars" by Sara Teasdale. Esenvalds masterfully translates the celestial imagery from the poem into the musical realm, creating a captivating and atmospheric composition.
Aurora Borealis Performance: The piece is sometimes performed with the added visual element of choir members holding small, glowing lights to simulate the shimmering effect of the Northern Lights, complementing the celestial theme of the composition.
Cluster Chords: Esenvalds often employs cluster chords in "Stars," where singers produce a chord by singing notes close together, creating a rich and otherworldly sound that contributes to the ethereal atmosphere of the piece.
Premiere: "Stars" was premiered in 2011 by the Choir of Trinity College Cambridge, conducted by Stephen Layton. Since then, it has gained popularity and has been performed by various choirs around the world.
Global Recognition: Eriks Esenvalds is recognized globally for his contributions to choral music, and "Stars" is considered one of his signature compositions. The piece has resonated with audiences for its emotive power and unique sonic landscape.
"Stars" showcases Esenvalds' ability to create evocative and immersive musical experiences, making it a standout piece in contemporary choral repertoire.