Partita on Creator of the Stars of Night

The partita is in five movements, each based on a text verse which is quoted before the movement. The first movement, smooth and flowing, depicts starlight, everlasting light, and a call to Christ. The second movement pastorale takes its cue from the text "...not as a monarch, but the child of Mary..." and quotes GREENSLEEVES. The third movement is a firm declamation, "At your great name...all knees must bend." The fourth movement is strong and dramatic with chromatic flourishes painting the text, "...holy might...defend us...from all assaults." The final movement is a fiery toccata over a pedal melody.