Cradle Moon
Grade Level: 3
Commission Info: Folly Quarter Middle School (MD), Andrew Spang, conductor
Duration: 3:30
Published by: C. Alan Publications
Program Note
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.