Star Sonnet

"Star Sonnet" is the second in a cycle of nocturnes for mixed chorus and piano, exploring observational and psychological experiences associated with love, nature, darkness, and light. The texts are original and approach these themes in different ways; this piece takes on the poetic form of a Shakespearean sonnet while describing as its subject a single star in the night sky. Wonder at the glowing star's distant origin, its constancy, and its emotional effect on the narrator are all featured themes that control the mood of this reverent but dark text. Written for a cappella choir to connect its bookend accompanied counterparts, "Ballade to the Moon" and "Lullaby," this work serves as a haunting interruption to the romantic piano textures before and after, and helps depict a trepid curiosity of the outer reaches of the night sky. Daniel Elder