Eternal Ruler

This imaginative setting of words by John White Chadwick creates a feeling of eternal strength from its constant musical flow. Peter Pindar Stearns is well known for his sensitivity to text and choir alike and this anthem reflects his keen imagination as well. The first verse is set in unison with a lovely soaring melody while the second verse supports the melody in four-part writing. A brief organ interlude ensues before the final verse which is for two part women and men's voices concluding in a spirit of unity.

Peter Pindar Stearns has surpassed even my highest expectations for him with his Eternal Ruler, a tribute to Edwardian and post-Edwardian hymn anthems. Where to begin? Imagine the finest, broadest melody Gustav Holst could write, add the impassioned fervor of Balfour Gardiner's Evening Hymn or Stanford in B-flat, and hold all that together with Stearns's ultimate integrity and infallible taste. Every time I play and sing through this, it leaves me in tears, and I haven't even mentioned the amazing subtlety of Stearns's harmony, the genius of his part writing, and the overwhleming sweep of his lines. This is gorgeous, glorious music.

Dr. John Hooker

AAM Journal

November 2001

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