Composer

:

Ralph Vaughan Williams

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Lullaby

Average_duration

:

2:50

Ralph Vaughan Williams composed "A Cradle Song" in 1904, and it premiered in 1905. The piece is a lullaby for voice and piano, with lyrics by William Blake. It is part of a larger collection of songs called "Ten Blake Songs," which Vaughan Williams composed between 1904 and 1909. The piece is in a simple 6/8 time signature and is marked "Lento tranquillo." It has a gentle, rocking quality that is appropriate for a lullaby. The piano accompaniment is sparse and delicate, with arpeggiated chords and occasional flourishes. The vocal melody is simple and lyrical, with a range of just over an octave. The lyrics describe a mother singing to her child, asking the stars and moon to watch over them as they sleep. The text is full of Blake's characteristic imagery, with references to angels, cherubs, and the "crimson joy" of the child's cheeks. Despite its simplicity, "A Cradle Song" is a beautiful and moving piece of music. Vaughan Williams' setting of Blake's text captures the tenderness and intimacy of a mother singing to her child, and the gentle rocking rhythm of the music creates a sense of comfort and security. It is a timeless piece that continues to be performed and enjoyed today.

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