Before The Sun

Grade 3
for concert band
by Julie Giroux

Before the Sun is a descriptive piece about a large family who lives on a country farm. The piece focuses on all the emotional and physical events which happen before the sun rises and after it sets. The beginning of the piece opens with the ending hours of night. The first light from the farm house reflects off the morning dew. The family cats and dogs gather at the back door in anticipation of breakfast scraps and affections. Parents stand in their children's bedroom doorways, enjoying watching them sleep, waiting just an extra minute before beginning the day.
Measure 24 begins the build up to sunrise. The piano solo depicts the silence of not just the family, but of nature and the world itself, like one giant entity holding its breath in a moment of respect and awe waiting to experience the sunrise. Measure 33 starts the first rays of light and grows into the full glory of day with measure 43. This theme is the sun's theme. Daytime doesn't last long and fades out into measure 54, which begins the wind down of the day. The lullaby from 58 to 68 represents children falling asleep and exhausted parents doing likewise. The piece ends with a recap of the sun's theme as a promise of its return.

MP 99115
Duration: 4:15
Score & Parts: $85.00
Score only: $16.00