Composer

:

Francis Pott

Genre

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

2009

Average_duration

:

2:54

Balulalow is a choral work composed by Francis Pott, a British composer, in 2008. The piece was premiered on December 13, 2008, by the Choir of New College, Oxford, under the direction of Edward Higginbottom. The piece is a setting of a traditional Scottish lullaby, which is believed to have been written by James, Earl of Moray, in the 16th century. The lullaby is a simple and gentle song that speaks of the birth of Jesus and the joy that his arrival brings. Balulalow is divided into three movements, each of which is characterized by a different mood and tempo. The first movement is marked "Gently flowing," and it sets the tone for the entire piece. The choir sings the lullaby in a soft and soothing manner, with the melody carried by the sopranos and altos. The tenors and basses provide a gentle accompaniment, with their voices blending seamlessly with the higher voices. The second movement is marked "With energy," and it is a more upbeat and lively section of the piece. The choir sings the lullaby with more vigor and enthusiasm, and the tempo is faster than in the first movement. The tenors and basses take on a more prominent role in this section, with their voices providing a rhythmic and driving accompaniment to the melody. The final movement is marked "Slowly and tenderly," and it is a return to the gentle and soothing mood of the first movement. The choir sings the lullaby in a slower tempo, with the melody once again carried by the sopranos and altos. The tenors and basses provide a subtle and understated accompaniment, with their voices blending seamlessly with the higher voices. Overall, Balulalow is a beautiful and moving choral work that captures the essence of the traditional Scottish lullaby. Francis Pott's setting of the lullaby is sensitive and nuanced, with each movement offering a different perspective on the joy and wonder of the birth of Jesus. The piece is a testament to Pott's skill as a composer and his ability to create music that is both timeless and contemporary.

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