Eala Earendel (Carol of the Star)

First page of the scoreDescription

Choral setting of an excerpt from Cynewulf’s magical Old English poem Crist I, which provided inspiration for several of J. R. R. Tolkien’s works. This section of the poem is based on the Advent Antiphon O Oriens, sung, since at least as early the 8th century, on 21st December – Winter Solstice. This setting combines the Old English and Latin texts with a Modern English translation. Choral parts are suitable for advanced leisure-time choirs (with good score-reading ability) and professional ensembles; the challenging soprano solo demands excellent breath control.

Eala Earendel! “When I came across [those words] I felt a curious thrill, as if something had stirred in me, half wakened from sleep. There was something very remote and strange and beautiful behind those words…” (Tolkien, Sauron defeated, 236).

The Crucial Info

Forces: SAATTB + soprano solo (minimal A and T divisi)
Duration: c. 5′
Texts: 1. Advent Antiphon O Oriens; 2. Crist I, Exeter Book, f. 9v, ll 104–29; 3. Modern English translation of (2), by Stef Conner
Date of composition: 2012–13; revised 2019
Premiere: Queen’s College Chapel Choir (cond. Suzi Digby), Cambridge,
Accolades: joint winner of the ISM Inaugural Composers’ Competition, with Kerry Andrew and Toby Young.
Midi demo (no-one likes midi, but it’s better than nothing!):

 

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Texts

1. Alleluia Verse, Lectionary for Mass (#201).
Language: Latin, with standard Italianate pronunciation (church Latin).

O Oriens, splendor lucis aeternae et sol iustitiae: veni et illumina sedentes in tenebris et umbra mortis.

O Radiant Dawn, splendour of eternal light, sun of justice: come and shine on those who dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death!

2. Extract from Christ I, by Cynewulf. Exeter Book, fols. 8a-14a
Languages: Old English + Modern English translation (tr. Stef Conner)

Ēala Ēarendel,   engla beorhtast,
Ofer middangeard   monnum sended,
And sōðfæsta  sunnan lēoma,
Torht ofer tunglas,  þu tīda ġehwāne
Of sylfum þē   symle inlīhtes!		 O Morning Star, angel brightest,
Sent to Middle Earth; watching over us,
And pure radiance of the sun,
Bright beyond the stars – you, every season,
Of yourself, forever illuminate.

Please contact Stef for more information and/or a license to perform this piece.