Composer

:

Eric Whitacre

Genre

:

Vocal

Average_duration

:

5:09

'Goodnight Moon' is a choral work composed by Eric Whitacre in 2011. The piece is based on the children's book of the same name by Margaret Wise Brown and illustrated by Clement Hurd. The premiere of the piece was on March 17, 2011, at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, California, performed by the Los Angeles Master Chorale. The piece is divided into three movements, each representing a different part of the book. The first movement, "In the Great Green Room," is a lullaby that sets the scene of the book. The second movement, "The Balloon," is a playful and whimsical section that represents the balloon in the book. The final movement, "Goodnight Stars," is a peaceful and calming section that brings the piece to a close. The piece is characterized by Whitacre's signature style of lush harmonies and intricate textures. The use of dissonance and unexpected chord progressions creates a dreamlike quality that perfectly captures the mood of the book. The piece is also notable for its use of extended vocal techniques, such as whispering and humming, which add to the ethereal quality of the music. Overall, 'Goodnight Moon' is a beautiful and evocative piece that perfectly captures the spirit of the beloved children's book. Its premiere was met with critical acclaim, and it has since become a popular choice for choral groups around the world.

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