Andrew Robertson Mackereth

Night Moods

Night Moods is a musical exploration of the essence of night. The work is structured so that each movement is self-contained and can be performed as a standalone piece. Nevertheless, the narrative progression ensures that the thematic elements remain consistent throughout the three movements, creating a cohesive whole when performed in sequence. #1 Dream As the title implies, this is expansive and tranquil music in which the protagonist finds solace. The music swells and undulates freely, incorporating moments of grandeur and nobility before returning to a state of tranquility. #2 Night Maneuvers This movement reflects an action-packed dream in which the protagonist is a spy or military operative, deep within hostile territory. The focus here is on drama and tension. The three-note motif from movement one is transformed into cascading descending fourths. This is heroic music, and intentional nods to action hero themes should be embraced and fully exploited. #3 Nightmare Inevitably, the dream and rest are interrupted by tense, angular phrases that represent anxious thoughts. Attempts to return to the realm of dreams are unsuccessful, and we descend into the full horror of a restless sleep plagued by sharks, screams, and noises in the night.