Composer

:

Harry (Henry) Thacker Burleigh

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

3:49

'Sleep, L'il Chile, Go Sleep!' is a lullaby composed by Harry (Henry) Thacker Burleigh, an African American composer, arranger, and singer. The piece was composed in 1914 and premiered in the same year. It is a part of Burleigh's collection of African American spirituals and lullabies. The piece is written in a slow and soothing tempo, with a gentle melody that is easy to sing and hum along to. It is composed in the key of F major and has a time signature of 6/8. The piece is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character and mood. The first movement begins with a soft and gentle introduction, with the melody played on the piano. The singer then enters, singing the first verse in a soft and soothing voice. The lyrics of the first verse are: "Sleep, l'il chile, go sleep, Mammy's watchin' over you, Sleep, l'il chile, go sleep, Mammy's love will see you through." The second movement is slightly more upbeat, with a slightly faster tempo and a more playful melody. The lyrics of the second verse are: "Sleep, l'il chile, go sleep, Daddy's comin' home tonight, Sleep, l'il chile, go sleep, Everything will be all right." The third and final movement returns to the slow and gentle tempo of the first movement, with the melody played softly on the piano. The lyrics of the third verse are: "Sleep, l'il chile, go sleep, Angels watchin' over you, Sleep, l'il chile, go sleep, God will keep you safe and true." Overall, 'Sleep, L'il Chile, Go Sleep!' is a beautiful and soothing lullaby that captures the essence of African American spirituals and lullabies. It is a testament to Burleigh's talent as a composer and arranger, and his ability to capture the emotions and experiences of his community through music.

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