Lullaby I (2011)

for solo Piano

Lullaby I (2011) is part of an ongoing series of short pieces written for young members of my family. These little works take a simple approach to form, where the opening music returns following (and somewhat changed by) a contrasting middle section. Their melodic and harmonic materials are somewhat reserved, lying mostly within the major or minor scale—though each lullaby adds a different “twist” to these familiar materials, such as a melody that emphasizes notes more curious than commonplace, or chords that form blankets of sound rather than precise progressions.

The first lullaby in the series is a modest homage to Satie’s Gymnopédie No. 1, whose charm of softly oscillating chords and quaint melody has always been a favorite of mine. In place of Satie’s quaint lyricism, however, is a melody comprised of two- and three-note fragments strung together into a pensive melody. This melody’s rhythm combines with the accompanying chords to create a somnolent pulse which occasionally shifts or pauses but never disrupts the quiet setting.

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