When the Stars Fall

Program Notes:

The simplicity and confidence of this hymn are amplified by the clarinet obbligato that weaves around the voices in an arrangement by Victoria-based Hatfield.

Conductor Notes:

SSA and oboe. (We used clarinet because that’s what we had in our concert). A very simple hymn tune that provided a point of simplicity and clarity in our concert.

Composer / Arranger Notes:

From the Boosey & Hawkes website: The mood and texture of this piece is simple, limpid, and serene: the peace that passes understanding. Every line in every voice, no matter how understated, is of melodic interest and emotional importance.

From Stephen Hatfield: “Easy enough for an inexperienced choir, but with enough room for shaping and styling to satisfy the most advanced ensemble. This is my text set to a gorgeous hymn tune I found in Jutland. The effect is of meditative serenity and simple beauty. A spiritual piece that does not proselytize, this piece is a good study in creating a timbre both rich and transparent”.

Text:

When the sea shakes, then I trust my saviour.

When the sea breaks, still I trust

that if the sea crumbles into rust,

tumbles into dust, yet will I trust my saviour.

When the stars call, then I trust my saviour.

When the stars fall, still I trust my saviour.

And if the stars crumble into rust, tumble into dust,

yet will I trust my saviour.

When my heart sighs, then I trust my saviour.

When my heart cries, still I trust my saviour.

And if my heart crumbles into rust, tumbles into dust,

yet will I trust my saviour.