Amy Beach
Hush, Baby Dear, Op. 69/2
Works Info
Composer:Amy BeachGenre:VocalStyle:Vocal MusicPublication Date:1908Average_duration:2:15Amy Beach was an American composer and pianist who lived from 1867 to 1944. She was one of the first female composers to gain recognition in the United States and was known for her Romantic style of music. One of her most famous works is "Hush, Baby Dear, Op. 69/2," which was composed in 1900. The piece is a lullaby for voice and piano and was premiered in 1901. It is part of a larger collection of songs called "Children's Album, Op. 69," which was inspired by Beach's own children. The album consists of ten songs, each with a different theme related to childhood. "Hush, Baby Dear" is a gentle and soothing lullaby that is meant to be sung to a child. The piece is in the key of F major and has a simple, flowing melody that is easy to sing. The piano accompaniment is also simple and provides a gentle background for the voice. The piece is divided into three sections, each with a different melody. The first section is the main melody, which is repeated throughout the piece. The second section is a contrasting melody that provides a bit of variety. The third section returns to the main melody and brings the piece to a peaceful conclusion. One of the characteristics of Beach's music is her use of chromaticism, which is the use of notes outside of the key signature. This can be heard in "Hush, Baby Dear" in the piano accompaniment, which uses chromatic chords to add color and interest to the piece. Overall, "Hush, Baby Dear" is a beautiful and timeless lullaby that has been enjoyed by generations of parents and children. Its simple melody and gentle accompaniment make it a perfect choice for bedtime or naptime.More....