Thomas Hood’s poem, The Stars are with the Voyager, has inspired many lyric and lush choral settings of this text. As I read Hood’s story of “constant love,” I feel the inevitable promise found there, but also a sense of timeless adventure. At the beginning of this setting, the piano represents the rolling waves of the sea—relentless and full of energy—and the unyielding march of time. The fourth verse becomes contemplative following the setting of the sun and grows into the “brighter day” before a layering of the opening melody that moves into the distance.
The stars are with the voyager Wherever he may sail;
The moon is constant to her time; The sun will never fail;
But follow, follow round the world, The green earth and the sea,
So love is with the lover’s heart, Wherever he may be.
Wherever he may be, the stars Must daily lose their light;
The moon will veil her in the shade; The sun will set at night.
The sun may set, but constant love Will shine when he’s away;
So that dull night is never night, And day is brighter day.
