Falling Stars

Inspired by a poem of the same name by Rainer Maria Rilke, Falling Stars paints a picture of reflection, wonder, and longing through its vivid imagery of a meteor shower.

Program Notes

FALLING STARS by RAINER MARIA RILKE (trans. Albert Ernest Flemming)
Do you remember still the falling stars
that like swift horses through the heavens raced
and suddenly leaped across the hurdles
of our wishes--do you recall? And we
did make so many! For there were countless numbers
of stars: each time we looked above we were
astounded by the swiftness of their daring play,
while in our hearts we felt safe and secure
watching these brilliant bodies disintegrate,
knowing somehow we had survived their fall.

Grade Level: 2.5
Copyright: 2019
Number of Players: Standard
Duration: 3:30
Publisher: C. Alan Publications
Category: Concert Band

Listen to Recordings

Instrumentation

Flute
Oboe (opt.)
Bassoon (opt.)
Clarinet 1
Clarinet 2
Bass Clarinet
Alto Saxophone 1
Alto Saxophone 2
Tenor Saxophone
Baritone Saxophone

Trumpet 1
Trumpet 2
F Horn
Trombone
Baritone
TC Baritone
Tuba

Timpani (4 drums)
Bells
Vibraphone
Percussion 1 (Triangle, Bass Drum)
Percussion 2 (Wind Chimes, Suspended Cymbal)