This edition was prepared by David Anderson — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
A Cradle Song
Staff Notation • Secular, Partsongs
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A Cradle Song by John Ireland — Lyrics
Sleep, sleep, beauty bright,
Dreaming in the joys of night;
Sleep, sleep; in thy sleep
Little sorrows sit and weep.
Sweet babe, in thy face
Soft desires I can trace,
Secret joys and secret smiles,
Little pretty infant wiles.
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About A Cradle Song
John Ireland’s A Cradle Song unfolds with a gentle, lullaby-like character, its SATB voices weaving together in rich, homophonic textures. The choir captures the tender intimacy of the text, which speaks of the innocent joys and peaceful slumber of a baby. The music reflects the contrasting emotions found in the words: the deep, trusting sleep of the infant is contrasted with the underlying awareness of the 'dreadful night' that will eventually break. Ireland’s setting, a beautiful example of English partsong writing, sensitively portrays the protective love and quiet awe of the observer, creating a soothing yet profound atmosphere for the choir.
