Composer

:

Xavier Montsalvatge

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Chamber Music

Average_duration

:

2:59

'Ninghe, ninghe, ninghe' is a vocal work composed by Xavier Montsalvatge in 1951. It premiered in Madrid on May 22, 1952, with the soprano Pilar Lorengar and the pianist Rosa Sabater. The piece is part of Montsalvatge's song cycle 'Cinco canciones negras' (Five Black Songs), which was inspired by Afro-Cuban music. 'Ninghe, ninghe, ninghe' is the fourth song in the cycle and is written for soprano and piano. The text is in Spanish and is based on a poem by the Cuban writer Nicolás Guillén. The poem tells the story of a young girl who is singing a lullaby to her baby brother. The girl's voice is described as being like a bird's, and the lullaby is full of playful, rhythmic phrases. The piece is characterized by its use of Afro-Cuban rhythms and melodies. The piano part is particularly notable for its syncopated rhythms and percussive effects. The soprano's vocal line is also highly rhythmic, with frequent syncopations and melodic leaps. The overall effect is one of lively, playful energy. The song is divided into three sections, each with its own distinct character. The first section is slow and lyrical, with the soprano singing a gentle lullaby. The second section is faster and more rhythmic, with the soprano's voice becoming more animated as she sings about the baby's dreams. The final section returns to the slower tempo of the opening, with the soprano singing a final lullaby as the baby falls asleep. Overall, 'Ninghe, ninghe, ninghe' is a lively and engaging piece that showcases Montsalvatge's skill at blending Afro-Cuban rhythms with classical vocal music. Its playful energy and rhythmic complexity make it a popular choice for soprano recitals and competitions.

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