The new single Circle of Quiet (Solo Piano) just released April 13th and can be enjoyed across all music streaming services including Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and Pandora. The PDF Sheet Music is also available.
This solo piano piece has a simple message. I definitely need a “circle of quiet” in the midst of a busy, hurried, and noisy world, and I am thinking that having a few quiet moments in your life would be a blessing to you as well. Here are a few thoughts I was having as I composed the notes.
The song has four sections with varying lengths, all of which were created to help bring the listener some moments of peace and quiet. Section 1 (0:00 to 0:54) is the opening minute with a gentle introduction and opening verse melody that helps to still our minds and invite us into a “circle of quiet.” Section 2 (0:55 to 1:47) reveals the chorus, which desires to sing a gentle song and rhythm over our lives, helping us to slow down. A higher transition melody answers the chorus to bring us back to the verse melody. Section 3 (1:48 to 2:46) plays the intro verse melodies again, but in a different way, with two lower left hand chords arpeggiating and alternating, then repeating and leading us to anticipate the return of the main theme. Section 4 (2:37 to 4:40) features this chorus, followed by the transition melody being played even higher. Then the chorus repeats once more, taking us, as C.S. Lewis would say, “further up and further in” toward heaven, our true home, the ultimate “circle of quiet” (and source of peace, hope, joy, wonder, etc.). The high transition melody guides us toward a soft ending, which references elements of the notes we have heard along the way. Each section is divided by long rests of 2-3 seconds to help us experience the blessing and refreshment of a “circle of quiet,” which is God’s gift to us when we put our trust and hope in Him.
Psalm 94:12-13 — “How blessed the man you train, God, the woman you instruct in your Word, Providing a circle of quiet within the clamor of evil…”
How does “Circle of Quiet (Solo Piano)” speak to you?
Stanton, You and your music are a blessing to me— to us all. Thank you… Blessings❣🙏
Thank you Fred, for your encouraging words. I am grateful my music is a blessing, and hope this new song continues to bring you God’s peace and rest. Blessings to you as well, Stanton
Stanton… my beloved husband passed away 2 weeks ago. I’m so glad he was able to meet you and to hear your beautiful piano music. This “Circle of Quiet” is very clear and calming.. just what my heart and mind needs… I thank God for your gift to all of us.
Hello Isabel, I am so sorry to hear this, and I pray God’s peace and comfort for you during this time. I am so glad this new song is calming for you. Grace and Peace, Stanton
Another beautiful and relaxing piece Stanton. Joe and I really enjoyed it. God bless!
So beautiful and just what I needed on this day! I am grateful that you shared Circle of Quiet along with your notes.
Thank you Cindy, for listening and reading the inspiration behind this new song. I am so glad Circle of Quiet has been a blessing to you! Wishing you God’s grace and peace, Stanton
A beautiful and welcome song of quiet and peace in a restless world searching a way out of the pandemic…
Thank you Edwin for your words, and for taking in this new song. This is wonderful news that it brought you some quiet and peace, which is my hope for each person who hears. God’s blessings to you! Stanton
I have a neighbor with a two-year-old boy named Preston who likes to come over to my house and sit on my front porch. One day I noticed he was listening closely to the speaker I had with me outdoors when playing Singing in the Oceans Deep. He grabbed hold of the speaker and just started rocking back and forth and humming to your music. Every time he comes over, he asks me to turn on your music, and he listens intently. He may be your youngest fan yet. Thank God for the talent and beautiful music He gave you to share with the world.
Dear Timothy, thank you so much for sharing this amazing and beautiful story. Through the years others have shared a similar story about a young child reaching out to the speakers or coming close and taking in the music. This is a wonder and mystery of God, and it is such a beautiful symbol of Him being our Father and us being His child. He wants us to believe in and trust Him fully with child-like faith. Blessings to you! – Stanton
Hi Stanton,
I’m glad to see that you continue to compose beautiful music. I recently got back from a road trip, and we enjoyed your calm piano in the evenings. Thank you for sharing “Circle of Quiet.” I agree that it is something we need in these times. Peace be with you.
Thank you Samantha, it is great to hear from you, and I’m so glad my music continues to be a blessing to you. Grace and Peace to you as well, Stanton