Composer

:

Herbert Sumsion

Genre

:

Choral

Average_duration

:

5:11

'Cradle Song' is a choral work composed by Herbert Sumsion, a British organist and composer, in 1934. The piece was premiered in Gloucester Cathedral, where Sumsion served as the organist and choirmaster, on Christmas Day of the same year. The piece is written for a four-part choir, with the melody carried by the sopranos and altos, and the tenors and basses providing a rich harmonic foundation. The text of the piece is a lullaby, with the lyrics describing the peacefulness of a sleeping child and the love and protection of a mother. The piece is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character. The first movement is marked "Andante tranquillo" and is characterized by a gentle, rocking rhythm in the accompaniment. The melody is simple and soothing, with the choir singing in unison for much of the movement. The second movement is marked "Allegretto" and is more lively than the first. The accompaniment features a playful, syncopated rhythm, and the choir sings in harmony, with the different parts weaving in and out of each other. The final movement is marked "Andante sostenuto" and is the most dramatic of the three. The accompaniment is more complex, with rich harmonies and a sense of tension and release. The choir sings in harmony, with the sopranos and altos soaring above the tenors and basses. Overall, 'Cradle Song' is a beautiful and evocative piece of choral music, perfectly capturing the peacefulness and tenderness of a mother and child. Its simple melody and rich harmonies make it a popular choice for Christmas concerts and services, and it remains a beloved work in the choral repertoire.

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