Journal for a Soldier

This powerful piece tells the story of a little girl's message in a journal signed by passengers on an airplane that was given to a father and husband serving overseas in the military. The music is based on Brahms' Lullaby and the Navy hymn Eternal Father, Strong to Save. The work draws on fragments from each piece while connecting to original material. The entire theme to Eternal Father is heard in the middle of the piece, providing a stir of emotions. The piece concludes with bells and vibes playing Lullaby, as though a music box is winding down and the father is now home from the war to put his daughter to bed.