Mary sings a lullaby - Veitch, Leanne Daharja

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"This work was written as a short, simple work, ideally suited to smaller choirs, or for a smaller group taken from a larger choir. The text is original. The running time is 2:30 - 3 minutes. This is the four voice (original) version of this work. A three voice version, created due to several requests, is also available at CPDL. The work imagines the Virgin Mary singing a lullaby to the newborn Christ Child as he lies quietly in the manger, watching the stars as they circle overhead. The work is intended to be deeply personal, private and moving, with a haunting sense that although Mary is quieting her baby and all is well now, she senses that in his future he may face difficulty and dark times. The work encompasses an overarching mezzo soprano line, supported by double soprano and alto, and arpeggio piano. The piano line is optional, and the piece is suitable for <i>a cappella</i> performance. Guitar accompaniment is also suitable, and guitar chords are provided on the score. The mezzo soprano line can be sung by either a soloist from within the choir, a professional employed by the choir, or by a small group (semichorus). The line suits a richer, more full-bodied voice, so preferably a true mezzo soprano should be selected, or an alto with the appropriate range, rather than a lighter-voiced soprano. The arpeggio provided for the piano line on the score and in the midi should be used as a guide only - any decent accompanist should feel free to ad lib throughout as they wish. Alternately, the piece could be performed unaccompanied and would work quite well. Finally a request: If you perform this piece, please inform the composer (contact via the composer's website). She keeps personal records of performances of her works and appreciates being told when and where in the world her works are performed."

◈ Genre → Lullabies

♯ Key E minor

⁄ Time Signature 3/4

♬ Voicing → SSAA, SSA

↕ Range G1 – E5

¶ Language → English

Measures 74

Texture Homophonic

Parts 5

Instruments Piano, Guitar, A cappella

Pages 8

CPDL # 23833

Editor Leanne Daharja Veitch

Posted 2011-07-05

License Personal

♫Pitch Ranges

Mezzo solo or semi-chorus

D4 – E5

Soprano

B3 – D5

Alto

B3 – G4

Piano

G1 – E4

¶Lyrics / Text

Sleep, my pretty one, Sleep my darling, Let the stars be your crown and the night wind your guide. Sleep, my darling, Sleep, my sweet one, Let your eyelids be closed and your sleep bring you peace. Now the sky floods with moonlight, and peace stills the land, And the air rings with bliss, for hope's hour is at hand. Sleep, my pretty one, Sleep my darling, Let the angelkind watch you, encircling their wings. Sleep, my darling, Sleep, my sweet one, Let your dreams give you comfort: fear nothing, my love. Now the sky floods with moonlight, and peace stills the land, And the air rings with bliss, for hope's hour is at hand.