The work was premiered by the Indiana University Jacob’s School of Music Contemporary Vocal Ensemble during the Midwest Composers Symposium November 11, 2011.
Written several years previously, the text from Continue to Exist was rediscovered shortly before composing this work while vacationing in the secluded mountains of Colorado. Without light pollution obscuring the night sky, the nightscape was star-filled and absolutely breathtaking. Gazing endlessly at the multitude of stars, the recently rediscovered poem bore profound new meaning. Even as some of the stars visible that night may no longer exist, newly conceived music could be capable of speaking and providing meaning to others long after it has been heard.
Text by Lindsey Jacob
Continue to Exist (2000)
Oh Beautiful Star!
How your light shines for all the world to see.
The earth gazes and marvels at your magnificent splendor.
You give life to the depleted,
Joy to the desolate,
And hope to the defeated.
Many light-years away your light has expired,
Yet your light is still blazing bright.
And the world stands in Amazement.
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