Composer

:

Richard Rodney Bennett

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

2:18

"Out of your sleep" is a choral work composed by Richard Rodney Bennett in 1969. The piece was premiered by the Choir of King's College, Cambridge, under the direction of Sir David Willcocks, on Christmas Eve of the same year. The piece is divided into three movements, each of which is based on a different text. The first movement, "Out of your sleep," is a setting of a medieval English text that tells the story of the shepherds who were visited by angels on the night of Christ's birth. The second movement, "Sweet was the song," is a setting of a 15th-century English text that describes the joy and wonder of the angels as they announce the birth of Christ. The final movement, "Lullay, thou little tiny child," is a setting of a traditional English lullaby that speaks of the love and tenderness of Mary for her newborn son. The piece is characterized by its lush harmonies, intricate counterpoint, and expressive melodies. Bennett's use of dissonance and chromaticism creates a sense of tension and drama, while his use of rich, sonorous chords and soaring melodies creates a sense of awe and wonder. The piece is also notable for its use of antiphonal effects, with the choir divided into two groups that sing back and forth to each other, creating a sense of spatial depth and complexity. Overall, "Out of your sleep" is a powerful and evocative work that captures the mystery and wonder of the Christmas story. Its intricate harmonies and expressive melodies make it a challenging and rewarding piece for choirs to perform, while its timeless themes and beautiful text make it a beloved classic of the choral repertoire.

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