Kinderszenen, Op. 15 no. 12 - Robert Schumann

Noah Vazquez is a baker and collaborative pianist, and the creator of Program Notes, based in Cincinnati, Ohio. Join the community and share your story on programnotesproject.com, or follow us @programnotesproject on Instagram.

Child Falling Asleep

He lies there, rubbing his toes against the sheets. Rights himself just the tiniest bit, trying not to get too comfortable. Here he finally got to stay up late waiting for her to get home - he couldn’t possibly falter now. The gentle glow of the hallway light seeping in from around his bedroom door; a constant reminder to keep his eyes from falling shut.

But how soft the pillow beneath his head, ready to cradle dreams yet to come. How warm the covers, loosely blanketing him, waiting for the gentle tuck that would keep him safe once all the lights go out.

A key turning in the lock, the rustle of a coat, this must be it! Footsteps on their way up the stairs, shadows dancing in the doorway, warm light bathing the room as she takes her first step in from the hall.

The hint of her breath in, ready to give the long-awaited goodnight, stopping herself only at the sight of him already fast asleep. Moving toward the bed, silently as she can, pulling the covers up around him, carefully prodding the sheets under his sides, then his legs. Her cheeks still cold from the outdoors, she places a kiss on his forehead, a warm breath telling him to sleep soundly.

She retreats with one last glance, the sound of his sleepy sighs the only thing left after a long day.

This is one of a handful of stories I wrote back in 2020 during my undergrad. Having our piano studio class over Zoom meant we had to get creative with our projects that semester, so I worked with a fellow pianist and artist to create a series of short vignettes based on Schumann's Scenes of Childhood. I've kept them all tucked away since then, always telling myself I would keep working on them one day. Four years later, they are what finally inspired me to start creating Program Notes. -N.V.