Composer

:

John Tavener

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Chorus

Compose Date

:

1982

Average_duration

:

3:25

John Tavener's "The Lamb" is a choral work that was composed in 1982. It was premiered in the same year by the Winchester Cathedral Choir, conducted by Martin Neary. The piece is a part of Tavener's larger work, "Songs of Innocence," which is based on the poetry of William Blake. "The Lamb" is a short piece, consisting of only two stanzas. The first stanza is a question, asking "Little Lamb, who made thee?" The second stanza is the answer, stating "He is called by thy name, For he calls himself a Lamb." The piece is characterized by its simplicity and innocence. The melody is gentle and flowing, with a sense of childlike wonder. The harmonies are mostly diatonic, with occasional chromaticism to add color and interest. The choir sings in unison for much of the piece, with occasional harmonies and descants. The text of "The Lamb" is taken from William Blake's "Songs of Innocence," which is a collection of poems that celebrate the purity and simplicity of childhood. Tavener's setting of the text captures this innocence, with its gentle melody and unadorned harmonies. Overall, "The Lamb" is a beautiful and moving piece of choral music. Its simplicity and innocence make it accessible to a wide range of listeners, while its depth and beauty make it a favorite of choral groups and audiences alike.

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