Composer

:

Percy Grainger

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Lullaby

Compose Date

:

1916

Publication Date

:

1989

Average_duration

:

2:23

'A Bridal Lullaby' is a choral work composed by Percy Grainger in 1902. The piece was premiered in 1902 at the Royal College of Music in London. It is a four-movement work that is characterized by its use of folk melodies and Grainger's unique harmonic language. The first movement, titled "The Bride's Lament," is a mournful piece that features a solo soprano singing a traditional Scottish melody. The choir provides a gentle accompaniment, creating a haunting and melancholic atmosphere. The second movement, "The Nightingale and the Two Sisters," is a lively and playful piece that tells the story of two sisters who are courted by a nightingale. The choir sings a traditional English melody, while the solo soprano takes on the role of the nightingale, singing a virtuosic and intricate melody. The third movement, "The Three Ravens," is a dark and brooding piece that tells the story of three ravens who are discussing the death of a knight. The choir sings a traditional English melody, while the solo soprano takes on the role of the knight's lover, singing a mournful and haunting melody. The final movement, "The Brisk Young Widow," is a lively and energetic piece that tells the story of a young widow who is courted by a number of suitors. The choir sings a traditional English melody, while the solo soprano takes on the role of the widow, singing a playful and flirtatious melody. Overall, 'A Bridal Lullaby' is a unique and captivating work that showcases Grainger's skill as a composer and his love of folk music. The piece is characterized by its use of traditional melodies, intricate harmonies, and virtuosic solo passages. It remains a popular work in the choral repertoire to this day.

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