program Notes
The first performance of The Western Star was on Sunday January 8th, 2017 - Epiphany Sunday - at St Stephen's Episcopal Church on the Green in Middlebury, Vermont. The following material is taken from that performance's program.
The Western Star
an epic poem with songs
celebrating the season of Epiphany
and the return of the light
written and performed
by Jack DesBois
Sunday, January 8th, 2017
celebrating the season of Epiphany
and the return of the light
written and performed
by Jack DesBois
Sunday, January 8th, 2017
The Songs
Darkest December
Part I: The Star
Endless Night
The Queen’s Song
Darkest December (reprise)
Part II: The Kings
Balthazar’s Song
Melchior’s Song
Darkest December (reprise)
Part III: The Child
Caspar’s Song
Mary’s Lullaby
Darkest December (reprise)
Part I: The Star
Endless Night
The Queen’s Song
Darkest December (reprise)
Part II: The Kings
Balthazar’s Song
Melchior’s Song
Darkest December (reprise)
Part III: The Child
Caspar’s Song
Mary’s Lullaby
Darkest December (reprise)
A Few Thoughts
One year ago, during a walk through town, I began thinking about the journey of the Three Kings, about the fascination humanity has had for two millennia with their story, and about the many ways that story has been told, from Matthew’s Biblical account to Longfellow’s poem to Vermont artist Janet McKenzie’s 2015 painting. And I haven’t been able to stop thinking about this strange story since.
A historically informed reading of the Gospels will reveal that Jesus was probably not born on or anywhere near December 25th. Yet, year in and year out, we tell to each other the story of a baby born as the year lay dying, and of the faith of three prophetic magi and their perilous journey through the long winter nights. Our need for light and hope in our darkest hours and our indelible connection to the rhythms of the natural world are truths whose power transcends mere historical fact.
Perhaps this discrepancy between fact and truth is what gives us the audacity to shape the story of the Nativity. As a New Englander, I cannot help placing the kings among the frigid nights, mountainous snowbanks and volatile weather conditions that characterize our winters. The treacherous gap roads and the ridges on Addison County’s eastern and western horizons complete a picture that is no doubt quite different from the Middle-Eastern desert landscape the kings must have crossed. But it is this Vermont landscape that sets the scene for my contribution to the life of this story.
And what a rich life this story has led! Like a snowball hurtling down a mountain, the three kings on their journey through time have accumulated the wisdom of ages. They are exemplars of the living Biblical storytelling tradition, the contribution to which is a vital and holy act of worship. It has been a privilege over the past year to wallow in their wisdom, and it is with great joy that I share that wisdom, that living tradition, with you.
Jack DesBois
January 8th, 2017
A historically informed reading of the Gospels will reveal that Jesus was probably not born on or anywhere near December 25th. Yet, year in and year out, we tell to each other the story of a baby born as the year lay dying, and of the faith of three prophetic magi and their perilous journey through the long winter nights. Our need for light and hope in our darkest hours and our indelible connection to the rhythms of the natural world are truths whose power transcends mere historical fact.
Perhaps this discrepancy between fact and truth is what gives us the audacity to shape the story of the Nativity. As a New Englander, I cannot help placing the kings among the frigid nights, mountainous snowbanks and volatile weather conditions that characterize our winters. The treacherous gap roads and the ridges on Addison County’s eastern and western horizons complete a picture that is no doubt quite different from the Middle-Eastern desert landscape the kings must have crossed. But it is this Vermont landscape that sets the scene for my contribution to the life of this story.
And what a rich life this story has led! Like a snowball hurtling down a mountain, the three kings on their journey through time have accumulated the wisdom of ages. They are exemplars of the living Biblical storytelling tradition, the contribution to which is a vital and holy act of worship. It has been a privilege over the past year to wallow in their wisdom, and it is with great joy that I share that wisdom, that living tradition, with you.
Jack DesBois
January 8th, 2017
Special Thanks
Many thanks to all who helped make this evening a reality, especially Susan McGarry, Peter Dempewolff and the entire parish of St Stephen’s Episcopal Church on the Green; Susan and Ben Anderson-Ray, Marjorie Lamberti, Steve Sontum, Elizabeth Oettinger, Leila McVeigh and Mary Kay Dempewolff; Kurt Broderson and MCTV; Project Independence Elder Day Center; Doug Anderson, Celia Watson, Gabrielle Owens; and my ever-supportive and loving family. A special thank you to my mother, Carla, for her unflagging faith in and support of (and opinions about) my vision.
© 2017 Jack DesBois