Lullaby I (2011)

for solo Piano

Lullaby I (2011) is part of an ongoing series of short, accessible pieces written for young members of my family. These works all employ a simple form: in each, music from the piece’s beginning returns subtly changed by an intervening middle section of contrasting mood.

The lullabies’ treatments of melody and harmony are reserved ones, drawing mostly from the major and minor scales of tonal practice. However, each lullaby infuses its traditional elements with a modern touch, such as a melody that emphasizes notes more curious than commonplace, or chords that form blankets of sound in place of precise progressions.

The first lullaby in the series is a modest homage to Satie’s Gymnopédie No. 1, whose quaint melody and lulling chords have enchanted me for as long as I can remember. In place of Satie’s fluid lyricism, however, is a pensive melody strung together from simple two- and three-note fragments. The tune, paired with its accompanying chords, creates a somnolent pulse which occasionally shifts or pauses but never disturbs the work’s quiet atmosphere.

To request a score, please visit the Contact page.