Berceuse can be described as a lullaby, or ‘cradle rocker’. A colleague in South Africa was asking composers for lullabies for piano solo and this is my response.

This piece is in the form of a Rondo where the main theme is based on slow rising chords. A short melodic phrase gradually unfolds from a single note.

The first interlude, which is slightly faster, develops this short phrase, simply at first. A semiquaver figure emerges which transform into arpeggios of the opening chords. Then a variant of the phrase, slightly lengthened, is stated and the same semiquaver figure reappears, this time subsiding into the opening theme. Only a fragment of the theme is heard, followed by thick chords in contrary motion which close this section.

The second interlude follows, also faster, and is a variation on the first interlude. The same semiquaver figure appears at the end of this interlude which leads into the final repetition of the opening rising chords. This theme is more fully extended, where the chords in contrary motion are also developed slightly. The work closes very quietly and calmly in the high register.

Lasting about 8.5 minutes, the atmosphere of this piece is always calm and for me expresses our sleep and the mystery of our dreams.