Ghostly Lullaby

Composer(s) / Arranger(s): Ben Blessing

Performance Time: 6:33  |  Grade: 4  |  Style: Contemporary, Dark, Holiday

I wrote the Ghostly Lullaby after getting the main idea from an idea my daughter was playing on the piano. I wanted to write something sweet and heartfelt, but also encompassing the type of timbres I would associate with music of this composition. The opening melody sets the tone for the work, and the antecedent phrase in measures 9-16 introduces the slightly more sinister tone felt in the back half of the piece.

Be careful with the key signature at rehearsal letter D, as it can be tricky if unvisited by your ensemble on a regular basis. The horn voice is the dominant color at D, accompanied by the euphonium. If your ensemble is lacking, switching a talented trombonist or euphonium player can work rather well, but it should be noted that the melody should be present enough in the other voices to work without it. Bring out the new colors at the D.C. al Fine, and make sure the Coda starts quietly for a dramatic crescendo into the climax of the piece at rehearsal letter I. Measures 26 and 73 feature a “wind sound” from most of the players (winds as well as percussion), this should be performed just with the breath and not blown through the instrument. This composition nods to the works of James Horner and J.S. Bach I hope you and your ensemble enjoy playing it.

Percussion I, II, and III are written to be played by Mallet players.