The Lark (and hope) Ascending

by Heather Niemi Savage

It is impossible to listen to Ralph Vaughan William’s gorgeous and transcendent piece, The Lark Ascending, without imagining a lark climbing, diving, turning, soaring as the violin’s flurry of notes floats above the orchestra below, the lush harmony a forest canopy of green dotted with geographical landforms. Peaceful and picturesque as it is, however, we should not dismiss the piece, or the poem by George Meredith which inspired it, as merely Romantic sentimentality, arousing feelings of nostalgia in listeners.

First, we must examine the poem, “The Lark Ascending.” Even though nature has long been viewed as the ideal, we cannot overlook the biblical imagery contained within the poem, references that lead me to believe that the Lark is an allegorical representation of the Messiah, Jesus, a conclusion not outside the realm of possibility, given that Meredith’s work is known to be highly metaphorical and allegorical. The Lark provides the “song of light” and desires “for all to hear and all to know that he is joy.” Jesus is the Light of the World, whose birth was described as a moment of “great joy for all the people” The Lark comes as the “jet of the earth” that brings water to dry inner springs, the “wine which overflows” our valley, his “golden cup.” Jesus is the spring of living water which wells up to eternal life; his blood spilled out on the cross is the wine overflowing, the promised fountain in the valley. The Lark sings the song which “never voice of ours could say” and becomes the “pure…voice of one for millions in whom the millions rejoice, for giving their one spirit voice.” Jesus has entered into heaven, appearing in the presence of God on our behalf, the One through whom we can continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God. The Lark puts the song into the hearts of those who “sing not” and, as he rises, “extends the world at wings and dome, more spacious making more our home.” Jesus’ promise of eternal life extends to all nations, tribes, tongues and languages, a gift open to all who will receive it, as many rooms in the mansion of Heaven as are needed for all who will come in faith.

George Meredith

It seems that, despite his own attested agnosticism, Vaughan Williams cannot escape his Christian heritage. The ethereal Lark, in the form of the violin, enters singing and soaring high above the orchestra, only to alight for a short while, joining the ranks of the instruments below, reminiscent of the Incarnation and eventual crucifixion, later rising again out of the depths to glory above.

The tranquil and sublime music is often interpreted as harkening back to and longing for a more bucolic time, but I believe this nostalgic perspective causes us to miss the true power of The Lark Ascending. Some of the comments found online about this popular piece communicate an entirely different sentiment. One listener disclosed, “I was feeling pretty suicidal…Listening to this music lifted my heart above the clouds and I felt the pain subside…I know there is Love because it is written into this music.” Another remarked, “This is what finally coming out of a depressive episode feels like.” Christine McVie, of the band Fleetwood Mac, stated, “It’s like a prayer.” Rather than causing listeners to long for times past, The Lark Ascending enables listeners to imagine a brighter future and be lifted above their troubles, at least for a time.

Christine McVie

Yes, the music communicates a sense of yearning, but it is a yearning for the future, not the past. The last notes of the violin trail off up high, as wisps of cloud that suggest the ascension of Jesus. The violin, the lark, Jesus, leads us heavenward to a place where he has gone before us, preparing the way, opening the door. Having conquered death, He gives the promise of eternal life, an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade. This hope is a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul.

The last two years, have been very difficult for many individuals, and indeed the whole world. However, as we enter a new year, we can step forward with confidence. Not every pain or difficulty will disappear, and more may come, but, for Christians, we can hold onto the hope that we have in Jesus. As he told his followers, then and now,

“In the world you will have tribulation; but take heart, I have overcome the world.”

May your hearts be lifted and soar as the lark, following him into eternal peace. Perhaps Ralph Vaughan Williams’ piece, The Lark Ascending, will be an encouragement, reminding you of this hope in dark times. 

Heather Savage, composer

To hear Heather’s music, visit: heatherniemisavage.com and check out her previous blog contribution. 

Photos borrowed from BBC, Wikipedia, and other sites.