Creator of the Stars of Night (An Advent Anthem for SATB Chorus and Organ) was composed in January 2011. Approximately six minutes in length, it is based on a ninth century text, Conditor alme siderum. Throughout the years these words have often been attributed to St. Ambrose, but there is little proof of this attribution. Though slightly altered, the English translation used here was created in the 19th century by John Mason Neale.
In my Creator of the Stars of Night, I have used as a structural device for the plainsong melody most often associated with this text (and, quite likely, original to the text). The plainsong melody is heard complete only in the final section of the composition. Another plainsong melody long associated with a well-known Advent text, Picardy (Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence), is also woven into the organ throughout the anthem.
In Creator of the Stars of Night I have sought to create an anthem that captures the mystery and anticipation, as well as beauty, of the Season of Advent.
Dan Locklair
Winston-Salem, NC
May 2011
Creator of the stars of night, Your people’s everlasting light, O Christ, Redeemer of us all, We pray you hear us when we call. In sorrow that the ancient curse When this old world drew on toward night, |
At your great Name, O Jesus, now All knees must bend, all hearts must bow: All things on earth with one accord, Like those in heaven, shall call you Lord. Come in your holy might, we pray, To God the Father, God the Son, |
Text : Anonymous Latin, Ninth Century
Translation : John Mason Neale (with alterations)