Stars

Ēriks Ešenvalds (b. 1977)

Alone in the night

On a dark hill

With pines around me

Spicy and still,

And a heaven full of stars

Over my head,

White and topaz

And misty red;

Myriads with beating

Hearts of fire

That aeons

Cannot vex or tire;

Up the dome of heaven

Like a great hill,

I watch them marching

Stately and still,

And I know that I

Am honored to be

Witness

Of so much majesty.

— Sara Teasdale (1884-1933)

“Stars” was performed by the Houston Chamber Choir at their 2016-2017 season’s “Christmas at the Villa” and is featured in the album “Behold the Star!” released in 2018.