Composer

:

Richard Rodney Bennett

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Carol

Compose Date

:

1984

Average_duration

:

3:42

Richard Rodney Bennett's "Lullay Mine Liking" is a choral work that was composed in 1961. It was premiered by the Choir of King's College, Cambridge, under the direction of David Willcocks, on Christmas Eve of the same year. The piece is a setting of an anonymous 15th-century text that tells the story of the Nativity from the perspective of the Virgin Mary. The work is divided into three movements, each of which is characterized by a different mood and musical style. The first movement, "Lullay, Jesu," is a gentle lullaby that features a solo soprano voice accompanied by the choir. The music is simple and serene, with a flowing melody and a gentle, rocking rhythm that evokes the image of Mary cradling her newborn son. The second movement, "Sweet was the Song," is a more lively and upbeat piece that celebrates the joy of the Nativity. The choir sings in four-part harmony, with the melody passing from voice to voice in a lively dance-like rhythm. The music is full of energy and excitement, with a sense of celebration and jubilation that captures the spirit of the Christmas season. The final movement, "This Endris Night," is a more contemplative piece that reflects on the deeper meaning of the Nativity. The music is slow and meditative, with a hauntingly beautiful melody that is sung by the choir in unison. The text speaks of the wonder and mystery of the Incarnation, and the music captures this sense of awe and reverence with its quiet, introspective mood. Overall, "Lullay Mine Liking" is a beautiful and evocative choral work that captures the spirit of the Christmas season with its mix of gentle lullabies, lively celebrations, and contemplative reflections. It is a testament to Richard Rodney Bennett's skill as a composer and his ability to bring to life the timeless story of the Nativity in a fresh and compelling way.

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