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Brahms Lullaby (Cradle Song) is almost certainly the most recognizable English language lullaby in the world. Wiegenlied: Guten Abend, gute Nacht is the original name of this piece, which translates "good evening, good night." Composed for Brahm's friend Bertha Faber, so it is thought, in celebration of the birth of her son, the original words were from a couple different folk texts. Brahms Lullaby was first published in 1868, and is one of his most cherished 'lighter' compositions, along with the Hungarian Dances and a handful of other pieces for piano or voice.
This reprise of Brahms Lullaby (Cradle Song) is quite similar to the opening version on this album. You will hear an introductory 1:20 of soft music before the strains of the original version make their appearance, at a slightly slower tempo. There is a more gentle sound to this soothing music with the addition of a muted string section type of instrument that softens the texture; at the end the gentle tones that began this version finish it as well. As before, this feature a mother softly humming, and there is only one word sung in the entire lullaby - fittingly, the word "lullaby" at the very end of the song.
lyrics
Brahms Lullaby Lyrics:
Lullaby and goodnight, with roses bedight
With lilies o'er spread is baby's wee bed
Lay thee down now and rest, may thy slumber be blessed
Lay thee down now and rest, may thy slumber be blessed
Lullaby and goodnight, thy mother's delight
Bright angels beside my darling abide
They will guard thee at rest, thou shalt wake on my breast
They will guard thee at rest, thou shalt wake on my breast
Aaron Neville and others have used these words:
Lullaby, and good night
In the sky stars are bright
Close your eyes, start to yawn
Pleasant dreams until the dawn
Close your eyes now and rest
Lay your head on my breast
Go to sleep now and rest
May your slumber be blessed
Here is a paraphrase of the original German lyric:
Good evening, good night
With roses adorned
With carnations you are covered
Slip under your covers
Tomorrow morning if God wishes it so
you shall once again wake
Good evening, good night
By angels you are watched
Who show you in your dream
the Christ child′s tree
Sleep now peacefully and sweetly
you will see paradise in your dream
credits
from Lullabies Vol. 1,
released April 23, 2011
Brahms Lullaby (Cradle Song) reprise was arranged and produced by Steve Millikan for Baby Lullaby Music
The second EP from Northern Irish singer-songwriter Bea Stewart runs from gentle folk to pillowy pop ballads, all perfectly executed. Bandcamp New & Notable Apr 15, 2024