A dynamic and heartfelt setting of text by Native American poet Paula Gunn Allen, What the Moon Said is a multifaceted affair, reflecting its source. Piano reduction; Baritone with string quartet is also available. This 9-minute work is a setting of the beautiful and evocative poem of the same name by Native American poet Paula Gunn Allen. Lauren Bernofsky was drawn to its strong, yet changing, moods. The resulting piece moves through several characters: lonely and austere; angry; warm and content; reflective. In between each mood the music returns to an echo of the opening austere music, tying the piece together into an enchanting whole. The composer herself is a violinist, and so the string writing is idiomatic and highly effective.