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

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.

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: 2022
Number of Players: 5+
Publisher: C. Alan Publications
Series: SpectraFlex Band Series
Category: Flex Band

Listen to Recordings

Watch Video

Instrumentation

Part 1
Flute
Oboe
B-flat Clarinet
B-flat Trumpet

Part 2
B-flat Clarinet/Trumpet
Alto Saxophone

Part 3
B-flat Clarinet/Trumpet
Alto Saxophone
F Horn

Part 4
Tenor Saxophone
F Horn
Trombone/Euphonium/Bassoon

Part 5
B-flat Bass Clarinet
Baritone Saxophone
Trombone/Euphonium/Bassoon
Tuba
Double Bass

Piano [optional]

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