Paul Osterfield

SONG OF THE SANDMAN

violoncello and piano (about 6 minutes)

The Sandman, originally a northern European folk character, has been portrayed in various forms over the centuries, from portrayals of a comforting figure that protects and cares for children to stories of terror and horror. When Bryan asked me to be a part of his Lullabies project, he asked for a lullaby "loosely defined." Rather than composing another calm, soothing lullaby, such as the one I wrote for my daughter over a decade ago, I was in mood for something a little darker and edgier, reflecting the current nervous global climate. Yet, not all is doom and gloom; there is still light and there is still hope. Low rumbles in the piano and skittish motives in the cello contrast with sweet, clear cello harmonics and dreamlike piano arpeggios. Song of the Sandman (2025) was commissioned by and is dedicated to cellist Bryan Hayslett.

Score will be available for purchase shortly. Please email me at paul@paulosterfield.com, and I will let you know when it is available.



		SONG OF THE SANDMAN violoncello and piano (about 6 minutes) The Sandman, originally a northern European folk character, has been portrayed in various forms over the centuries, from portrayals of a comforting figure that protects and cares for children to stories of terror and horror. When Bryan asked me to be a part of his Lullabies project, he asked for a lullaby "loosely defined." Rather than composing another calm, soothing lullaby, such as the one I wrote for my daughter over a decade ago, I was in mood for something a little darker and edgier, reflecting the current nervous global climate. Yet, not all is doom and gloom; there is still light and there is still hope. Low rumbles in the piano and skittish motives in the cello contrast with sweet, clear cello harmonics and dreamlike piano arpeggios. Song of the Sandman (2025) was commissioned by and is dedicated to cellist Bryan Hayslett. Score will be available for purchase shortly. Please email me at paul@paulosterfield.com, and I will let you know when it is available.