Today is release day for Gaze Upon the Beauty. Listen on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Pandora, all music platforms, or click below. As you listen, scroll down and read the story behind this stilling melody offering peace and beauty.
This piece is expressing the simple (but not easy) idea to practice stillness before God, to gaze upon His beauty, and to listen for His voice. It brings to mind the Scripture passage “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10), and the Bible story of Mary and Martha, when Jesus said Mary did a “beautiful thing” listening intently at His feet, while Martha was busy about many things (Luke 10:38-42).
After years of “striving to achieve” (how I describe my approach to life and career goals in my 20s), God began helping me pursue His idea of “abiding to receive.” His definition of success is different from the ways of the world. He invites me to meditate on His Word, practice what it says, listen for His voice, and seek to obey what He would have me to do. Then, God says, “you will be prosperous and successful” (Joshua 1:8). His ways and His thoughts are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9).
These are some of the threads woven into Gaze Upon the Beauty. The inspiration and the music invite me to be more still and less hurried, to have more calm and less busyness, and to know more peace in the midst of life’s storms. This is why the piano has such a simple repeating melody, and why the tempo is very slow. The cello notes begin “singing” the words “Gaze upon the beauty” very slowly over the piano. Then the piano and French horn take us into a long gaze, meditating on God’s beauty, and reminding us of His beauty we see in people and creation around us. Finally the horn sings the “Gaze upon the beauty” melody a few more times while the cello harmonizes. The piano climbs higher and higher to a simple, uplifting ending. The swelling orchestral strings underneath add to the profound treasure available to us in these simple truths.
What does “Gaze Upon the Beauty” mean to you?
“One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire (meditate) in his temple.” Psalm 27:4 (ESV)
Okay, this has to be the most beautiful, peaceful piece you’ve ever done! It is so so so connecting to my soul! Stanton, you have done it again! Such a gift for bringing peace into our hearts and the world!
Wow Martie, thank you so much for your encouraging words! I am so glad you love this new song. Wishing you God’s grace, peace, and joy! – Stanton
Dear Stanton. I still listen to your music daily, it has been months now and I never get tired of listening to your compositions. In my car, too. On my IPOD when we go camping. Being still is the practice of meditation and Buddhism, as you know.
Thank you for sharing your music.
Hello Mark, thank you for your comment, and I am so glad to hear how my music is such a blessing to you in so many listening environments. God’s blessings to you, and wishing you His grace and peace, Stanton
Thanks you. Just yesterday, while contending with the strain of delivering remote instruction during an extended COVID lockdown here in Australia, and trying to support students from another school (whose teacher was absent working through he loss of his daughter to cancer), your new songs came to me in an email this morning. Perfect timing, and a much needed measure of Gods grace. Thank you!
You’re welcome, and I am grateful for God’s grace and peace to reach you through my music and this new song. God’s blessings to you as you serve and care for others in your community, and as you let your light shine there (Matthew 5:16). – Stanton
Amazing! I just want to close my eyes and float with the music. The cello is just perfect. I love your music. Thank you!
Hi Annika, thank you! I am so glad you love this new piece and the cello too. This is wonderful to hear how you love my music. Blessings to you! – Stanton
The music God has given you to play is so inviting and plesant in today’s hurried world of turmoil. Thanks for sharing your gift with the rest of us weary pilgrams.
Hello Tim, and thank you for your comment. I am so glad this new piece and my music is a blessing to you, to invite you to slow down and experience God’s peace and presence. Blessings to you! – Stanton
Dear Stanton — the melody penetrates to the soul and brings peace and joy. The way in which you have layered piano, cello, and horn is absolutely beautiful. May the Lord continue to bless you with inspiration to create music that uplifts heart and soul!!
Dear Jacob, thank you so much for your encouraging words. I am so glad you love this new melody and the layering of instruments. God is faithful in His inspiration and provision in all things. Wishing you His grace, peace, and joy! – Stanton
Very Calming! Ty!
You’re welcome Janice, so wonderful to hear this new song is very calming for you. Thanks for your comment, and God bless you! – Stanton
Beautiful!! have you got a sheet music piano version?
Hello Gaspar, thank you! There is not solo piano sheet music for this song at this time, since the cello plays the lead melody and the piano is underneath. I may do this at some point in the future. Thanks very much for your support and interest. Blessings to you, Stanton