compositions
compositions
LULLABIES for an ANGEL
Duration: 15 minutes
Written: 1979
Premiered: December 15, 1979
by Lyric Arts Trio
New Music Concert
Toronto, Canada
by Lyric Arts Trio
New Music Concert
Toronto, Canada
Background
The piece is in three movements played without interruption. The first movement, contemplative in nature, has a duration of approximately 5 minutes. It subdivides into cadenza for soprano solo and a duo for soprano and alto flute. The second movement (approx. 6 minutes) also divides into two sections: piano cadenza and a trio. At times lyrical, and at times dramatic in nature it expands the material of the first movement. The closing movement (approx. 6 minutes) is primarily joyful and it includes an alto flute cadenza along with various fragments from the previous movements.
The entire work is tonally oriented and shows a progression from chromaticism to diminished sonorities in movement I, from diminished to major-minor in movement II, while the third movement consists of augmented sonorities blending with the harmonies previously used.
In its overall character the piece projects a mood of calm, happiness and tranquility, interjected by occasional agitations.
The original source material for the piece is a three note group derived from a nursery tune. It has been incorporated into a larger melodic unit which is prepared in movement I, presented in movement II and developed in movement III.