AASR Song Spotlight and Performer Reflection: To the Evening Star
Nigel Butterley (1935-2022) was a masterful composer, drawn to the power of poetry and the human voice. Admired by composers and students alike, he was an influential voice across several generations. This song is a very early example of his work, first penned in 1956.
Poetry has been a significant influence on Butterley’s work from as early as the Six Blake Songs, from which this song derives. His long-time friend John Carmody notes, “Nigel Butterley loved and was inspired by mystical and “inner” poetry.” For To the Evening Star, Butterley drew his text from a collection of juvenilia of William Blake. Written in 1956, and revised for publication forty years later, Butterley said he tried to retain his original style and “make them as I would have written them at the time given a little more skill and experience”.
For Blake, the delicate arrival of the evening star in the twilight sky celebrates a special time of unfettered inspiration, as it shines in the time between the deep darkness of night and the harsh light of day. Nigel captures the delicate serenity of this radiant moment in his evocative setting. The song is available through Wirripang for both mezzo-soprano or baritone voice and piano.
Listen to To the Evening Star performed by Flametree.
You’ll find all the links on the song page here.
The relationships we have fostered with living composers have included memorable performances and a desire to grow greater awareness of their music - something we continue to champion in our research for the AASR. It has also led to the creation of wonderful new works.
Jenny has had a long connection to Nigel’s music. She reflects, “I was pleased to work with Nigel many times over the decades, delving into his choral works in my earliest performing years and, towards the end of his life, commissioning several new works for Halcyon. This song has been a regular choice for my recital programs and my studio for many years.”
You can read more about her experience here.