The Stars Have Withdrawn Their Shining, is connected with the 19th century artist, critic, philosopher, and reformer, John Ruskin (1819-1900). The piece itself follows the form of a sonatina, three movements in all, but in reality it is more a reflection of Ruskin’s life than a musical structure. Throughout, there is a somewhat ethereal and even innocent quality, but this is counter-balanced by elements of trouble and conflict, much of which was found in his personal life. This is most evident in the second movement where a connection is made with Rose La Touche, a young girl with whom Ruskin fell deeply in love, a relationship which ultimately ended in tragedy.

The title is taken from a biblical reference seen in a late work of Ruskin, ‘The light shall be darkened in the heavens thereof, and the stars shall withdraw their shining’. During preparation of the piece, I soon became aware of Ruskin’s consciousness of the environment and his ecological thought, and with my own pessimism regarding environmental issues already firmly established, I felt it appropriate to amend the reference for this work.

Premiered by Sioned Williams at the Purcell Room on February 10th 2001.

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