Music of the Spheres

Music of the Spheres is dedicated to Swiss astrophysicist and my relative Arnold Benz, whose book “Astrophysics and Creation” was released in an English language version in 2017. As a composer and stargazer, I have long wanted to write a composition addressing my emotional response to astronomy. A commission from the Capitol Hill Chorale for a concert devoted to the intersection of science and music presented the perfect opportunity. The premiere of Music of the Spheres featured glass armonica in the second and fourth movements, with Dean Shostak, one of the few masters of this instrument in the world today, performing. The published work is for unaccompanied chorus with an optional keyboard part (piano or organ) in the second and fourth movements to lightly reinforce the constellation motives.

I.
The heavens declare the glory of God,
And the firmament shows his handiwork.
Although they have no words or language,
Their sound has gone out to the ends of the world.

- Psalm 19:1-4

II.
Laudate eum coeli,
Laudate eum Sol, Luna et Planetae,
Laudate eum harmoniae coelestes.

Praise Him, ye heavens,
Praise Him, Sun, Moon and Planets,
Praise Him, celestial harmonies.

- Johannes Kepler (1571-1630), from “Harmonies of the World,” Book V

III.
Man hath weaved out a net, and this net thrown
Upon the heavens, and now they are his own.
Loth to go up the hill, or labor thus,
To go to heaven, we make heaven come to us.

- John Donne (1572-1631), from “An Anatomy of the World: The First Anniversary”

IV.
Laudate eum coeli,
Laudate eum Sol, Luna et Planetae,
Laudate eum harmoniae coelestes.

V.
The heavens declare the glory of God,
And the firmament shows his handiwork.
Although they have no words or language,
Their sound has gone out to the ends of the world.