Composer

:

Peggy Glanville-Hicks

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

ca. 1931

Average_duration

:

2:12

'Come Sleep' is a vocal work composed by Peggy Glanville-Hicks in 1951. The piece was premiered in New York City in 1952. It is a setting of a poem by Sir Philip Sidney, which explores the theme of sleep as a release from the troubles of the world. The work is divided into three movements, each of which explores a different aspect of sleep. The first movement, "Come Sleep," is a gentle lullaby that invites the listener to surrender to the embrace of sleep. The second movement, "O Soft Embalmer of the Still Midnight," is a more introspective meditation on the nature of sleep and its power to heal and restore. The final movement, "The Nightingale," is a joyful celebration of the arrival of spring and the renewal of life. Throughout the work, Glanville-Hicks employs a variety of vocal techniques and textures to create a dreamlike atmosphere. The vocal lines are often fragmented and disjunct, reflecting the disjointed nature of dreams. The harmonies are often ambiguous and unresolved, creating a sense of uncertainty and mystery. The use of percussion and other instruments, such as the harp and celesta, adds to the ethereal quality of the music. Overall, 'Come Sleep' is a haunting and evocative work that captures the essence of sleep and its transformative power. Glanville-Hicks' use of vocal and instrumental textures creates a dreamlike atmosphere that transports the listener to a world of peace and tranquility.

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