Composer

:

Arnold Bax

Genre

:

Choral

Average_duration

:

3:32

Arnold Bax's 'Lullay, Dear Jesus' is a choral work that was composed in 1922. It was premiered on December 20, 1922, at the Royal Albert Hall in London, England. The piece is written for a four-part choir, with the soprano and alto parts being divided into two sections each. The work is divided into three movements, with each movement being based on a different traditional English carol. The first movement is based on the carol 'Lullay, Dear Jesus', which is a lullaby that was traditionally sung to children. The second movement is based on the carol 'The Coventry Carol', which tells the story of the Massacre of the Innocents. The third movement is based on the carol 'I Saw Three Ships', which is a joyful song about the arrival of the Magi. The first movement of 'Lullay, Dear Jesus' is characterized by its gentle, lullaby-like melody. The choir sings in a homophonic style, with all four parts singing the same melody at the same time. The second movement is more somber, with the choir singing in a polyphonic style. The third movement is the most joyful of the three, with the choir singing in a lively, dance-like rhythm. Overall, 'Lullay, Dear Jesus' is a beautiful and evocative choral work that showcases Arnold Bax's skill as a composer. Its use of traditional English carols gives it a timeless quality that continues to resonate with audiences today.

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