Cradle Moon

Description

Holmquist, Carl

Cradle Moon is a setting of a lullaby tune that has been passed down through at least five generations of the composer’s family. This lovely piece will take the audience on a journey through serene melody, lush harmony, and weaving countermelodies before ultimately returning to the calm setting of a child drifting off to sleep.

Program Notes: Cradle Moon was commissioned by the Folly Quarter Middle School Band (MD), Andrew Spang,conductor. It is a setting of a lullaby that has been passed down through at least five generations in my wife’s family. Despite significant research into the text and tune, I have not come up with a source for this melody. The piece opens peacefully with the harmonized melody first presented by the clarinets and alto saxophones. After a transitional phrase in the brass, which brings greater harmonic dissonance, the growing intensity releases into a climactic phrase in which Away in a Manger (Trumpet 1) and an ornamented delivery of Amazing Grace (Euphonium, Tenor Sax, Bassoon) encircle our lullaby melody. The music then calms and settles, as a child drifting off to sleep.
-C.H.

Grade: 2.5
Duration: 3’30”