A Cappella Lullabies

Beijing Angelic Choir : Chinese Lullabies

Review: The Beijing Angelic Choir, composed of the best voices from several local choirs in Beijing, is distinguished by their sweet, superbly trained voices and musical training. Included are 12 songs: "You-you-zha," "Clear Moon, Quiet Winds," "Hammock Hanging Between Betel Trees," "Puyama Lullaby," "Tu-jia Lullaby," "A-ni-qie-er," "Kitty, Stop Meowing," "Li Lullaby," "Lullaby of the Fisherman's Family," "Tibetan Lullaby," "My Brother, Pu-ru-lai" and "A-lai, Ba-lang-mu." These songs are lightly accompanied, with emphasis, of course, on the singing of the children. The sound is dreamlike, sweet and soaring, almost other-worldly. We'd love to learn more about the beautiful, haunting lullabies, but most of the liner notes are in Chinese and we can only use our imagination. "Lullabies" was a finalist for the 1996 NAIRD award for the Best Children's Music, and is stunningly lovely CD!

Songlist: You-you-zha (Man), Clear Moon, Quiet Winds (Northeastern China), Hammock Hanging Beween Betel Trees (Guangdong), Puyuma Lullaby (Taiwan), Tu-jia Lullaby (Hunan), A-ni-qie-er (Hani tribe, Yunnan), Kitty, Stop Meowing (Anhul), Li Lullaby (Hainan), Lullaby of the Fisherman's Family (Guangxi), Tibetan Lullaby (Western Tibet), My Brother, Pu-ru-lai (Inner Mongolian), A-lai, Ba-lang-mu (Ulger)

Beijing Angelic Choir : Lullabies From Around The World

Review: The Beijing Angelic Choir sings lullabies from Austria, Germany, Italy, England, America and more. The sweet voiced children's choir sings the many familiar tunes in Chinese. The children are accompanied by lightly synthesized backgrounds. It is very interesting to hear how western songs are interpreted by the Chinese. All of the translations are in Chinese.

Songlist: Lullaby (Mozart) (Austria), Lullaby (Brahms) (Germany), Lullaby (Italy), Children Are Asleep (Russia), Autumn Night (England), Sleep, Darling Baby (Mexico), Lullaby (Schubert) (Austria), Lullaby (America), Im Herbst, Lullaby (Japan), Yi-li Yi-li (Phillipines), Lullaby (France), Lullaby (India)

Cantabile - The London Quartet : Lullabyes and Goodbyes

Review: Cantabile is an ensemble of four male voices who came together as a group while studying at Cambridge University in the 1980s and have gone on to become one of England's premiere choral ensembles. The programme on this release is a very eclectic mix with nearly all the music excellently arranged by the group themselves. The singing itself is all first class. The four voices blend beautifully and there isn't a sour note to be heard. Diction is consistently crystal clear although texts and English translations, where appropriate, are provided. As you'd expect, the contribution of Malcolm Martineau is first rate. There's a great deal to enjoy here and I can imagine this being particularly restful and enjoyable late evening listening, perhaps with the fire burning gently and a glass of something warming at your elbow. Try this for something a bit different!

Songlist: Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel), Evening Prayer, Barcarolle, Hushabye, Wiegenlied, Bilbo's Last Song, lullaby, Haere Ra, Hawaiian Lullaby, Moonshine Lullaby, Cancion De Cuna Para Dormir A Un Negrito, My Lagan Love, Schlaendes Jesuskind, Lullaby Of Birdland, Oblivion, Discendi, O Sonno Vago, Lullaby, Nacht Und Traume, Bilbo's Last Song, Stay Awake, Goin' Home, Our Revel Now Are Ended, Counting Up My Toes

Chor Leoni : Carols & Lullabies

Review: This renamed and repackaged version of Chor Leoni's first Christmas recording (Magnificat) presents three substantial and endearing seasonal works. The sunny Carols and Lullabies: Christmas in the Southwest by Conrad Susa derives from the folk music of Hispanic America, and sets the Holy birth in the context of a Southwestern pinata party. Italian composer Ottorino Respighi was an early twentieth-century composer who looked to the past for inspiration and musical materials, e.g., in his well-known Ancient Airs and Dances. This tendency can also be heard in the Laud to the Nativity of Our Lord, Respighi's self-described "personal Christmas card to the world." The disc also includes the premiere recording of a Chor Leoni commission, Magnificat by Vancouver composer Rupert Lang. Using the unusual combination of mezzo-soprano soloist and male chorus, Lang seeks to express Mary's personal, human response to the formal biblical text, with wonderful results. Special guests for this recording include mezzo-soprano Mariateresa Magisano (winner of the 1998 Metropolitan Opera Auditions), soprano Lambroula Maria Pappas (winner of the 1999 Metropolitan Opera Auditions), and Elektra Women's Choir (four-time consecutive First Place winners in the CBC Competition).

Songlist: Oh, mi Belen!, El Desembre Congelat, Alegria, A la Nanita Nana, Las Posadas, Campana Sobre Campana, En Belen Tocan a Fuego, El Noi de la Mare, Chiquirriquitin, El Rorro, Lauda per la Nativita del Signore, Magnificat, Recitative, Mary's Song, Magnificat, Quia Fecit, Fecit Potentiam, Suscepit Israel, Gloria

Luther College Music Ensembles : Lullabies

Review: Decorah, Iowa's renowned Luther College music ensembles, the Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra, Nordic Choir, Concert Band, Pike Kor, Cathedral Choir, Collegiate Chorale, Norsemen and Cantorei present a stellar collection of 15 songs, beginning with rich a cappella renderings of Kurt Bestor's "Prayer of the Children," and Morten Lauridson's lovely "O Magnum Mysterium." Other favorites include Roger Folstrom's "A La Nanita Nana," Eric Whitacre's "Sleep," Frank Ticheli's a cappella "There Will Be Rest," Eleanor Daly's "What Sweeter Music," Pete Seeger's "The Bells of Rhymney" and "The Gartan Mother's Lullaby." A powerful, touching, well-chosen collection from Luther College's, and some of the world's, finest ensembles!

Songlist: Prayer Of The Children, O Magnum Mysterium, All Is Well, The Fairy Garden From Mother Goose, A La Nanita Nana, Rocking Carol, Sleep, Nocurne From A Mid Summer's Nights Dream, There Will Be Rest, Away In A Manger, A Childhood Hymn, What Sweeter Music, Pastorale From Christmas Orotorio, The Bells Of Rhymney, The Garten Mother's Lullaby

Peninsula Women's Chorus : Carols and Lullabies

Review: The 61-strong Peninsula Women's Chorus was established in 1966, and has been under the direction of Dr. Patricia Hennings since 1975, and the Christmas CD "Carols" is their fourth CD. The first 10 songs are a marvelous group called "Carols and Lullabies, Christmas in the Southwest" by Conrad Susa. A friend of Susa's showed him a collection of traditional Spanish carols he had sung as a boy in Arizona, and Susa put them together to form a narrative. combining homey, artful simplicity with Renaissance music, Songs like "Alegria" and the Andalusian song "Chiquirriquitin," with their lilting, dancing marimbas, and the lovely "A La Nanita Nana," are the gems of the CD. The second half of the CD takes us more in the direction of the sacred (Karai's "Hodie Christus natus est" and Missa Brevis' "Kyrie," "Sanctus" and "Agnus Dei"). Throw in "The Carol of the Rose," "Alleluia" and others, and you have a surprising, delightful Christmas CD!

Songlist: Oh, mi Belen!, El Desembre Congelat, Alegria, A la Nanita Nan, Las Posadas, Campana sobre Campana, En Belen Tocan a Fuefgo, El Noi de la Mare, Chiquirriquitin, El Rorro, Hodie Christus natus est, Missa Brevis, -Kyrie, -Sanctus, -Agnus Dei, Two selections from The Place of the Blest, -The Carol of the Rose, -Alleliuia, O Regem coeli, Christmas Intrada

Various Artists : Lullaby: A Collection

Review: This CD is a fabulous mix of a cappella and accompanied lullabies. With songs from Bobby McFerrin, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Sweet Honey in the Rock, and Take 6, this is sure to be a bedtime favorite.

Songlist: Swedish Lullaby, Courtyard Lullaby, A La Nanita Nana, Be Still My Child, Sakura/ Owayare, All The Pretty Horses, Lullaby, Down By The Salley Gardens, Sleep, Little One, Sleep, Sweet Lullaby, Spirit Lullaby, Common Thread

Various Arrangers : A Cappella Lullabies

Review: Lullabies have been around for thousands of years and in almost all cultures and are probably some of the very first songs ever sung by humans. A lullaby is not surprising appreciated by many of us even as we age and they can be a pleasant addition to any concert. Here are a collection of interesting arrangements of lullabies from Europe.

Songlist: Suo-Gan, Celtic Lullaby, Hush Little Baby, Lullaby, Three Lullabies, Op. 49

Various Arrangers : Spanish Carols, Lullabies and Folksongs

Review: "Come, come, shepherds let us go! Let's run to Bethlehem." Written in the "Bambuco Fiestero" rhythm of the Andes Mountains of Columbia, the characteristic dance rhythm of 6/8 against 3/4 is the main feature of this a cappella setting. In Spanish, with English translation. "Canticos De Navidad" - Juan Orrego-Sala, a noted Latin American composer, is Professor Emeritis of Composition and Latin American Music at the Indiana University School of Music. This charming set of Christmas pieces reflects his native country, Chile, not only in the language, but in the characteristic rhythms and harmonies. The second of the three, Alleluya, can be extracted for year-round performance, and, although diminutive in length, deserves a place along side the well-known "Alleluia" by Randall Thompson with whom the composer studied. The original settings of "Four Spanish Lullabies" create the feeling of tenderness and sorrow so typical of the Spanish lullaby. A litling Brazilian style lullaby, a 3-part a cappella chorus, a flight of imagination and a comical nursery rhyme make up this compelling set. The energetic Colombian folksong "Maquerule" tells the tale of a friendly baker who learns the hard way to collect the cash upfront! Strong syncopation and a staccato singing section add to the fun. Includes suggestions for using optional percussion.

Songlist: Canticos De Navidad, Maquerule, Four Spanish Lullabies, Fum, Fum, Fum

Carsten Gerlitz : The Lullaby Choirbook

Review: A collection of the most beautiful international evening songs and lullabies in atmospheric arrangements for mixed choir. Apart from classical pieces in German, the present new and modern arrangements comprise Spanish, Swedish, Scottish, French, and Indian tunes, among others. The pieces are suited for concerts, services, celebrations, or as encore pieces.

Songlist: A la nanita, Abend wird es wieder, Abends will ich schlafen geh'n, Ade nun zur guten Nacht, All Night, All Day, Au claire de la lune, Bajuschi Baju, Der Mond ist aufgegangen, Egening Rise, Guten Abend, gut' Nacht, Guter Mond, Hush, Little Baby, Hush-a-ba Birdie Croon, Irish Lullaby, Kein schoner Land, Limu, limu lima, Down By The Sally Gardens, Schlaf, Kindchen, schlaf, Schlaflied, Solvejgs Lied, Thula Thula, Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star, Vierzehn Englein, Weibt du wieviel Sternlein stehen

Henryk Gorecki : Three Lullabies

Review: Three Lullabies Opus 49. First performed at the Lerchenborg Festival by Ars Nova, conducted by Bo Holton.

Songlist: Usnijze mi, usnij (Go to sleep, Go to sleep), Kolyszze sie kolysz (Rock, rock), Nie piej, kurkke, nie piej (Don't crow, cock, don't crow).

Howard Goodall : Winter Lullabies

Review: Winter Lullabies by Howard Goodall is a beautiful cycle of six loosely interwoven movements of various languages (English, Gaelic, German, Spanish) arranged for solo harp/piano and upper voices. Although the story of the nativity lies at the core of the work - celebrating motherhood and the different moods that might be embraced by a lullaby - it also explores associated secular issues of homelessness, displacement and flight, showing the relevance that this timeless story continues to have for our modern lives.

Songlist: Now Winter Nights Enlarge, Stille Nacht, Crossing the Border, Joyful Lullaby, Sorrowful Lullaby, Lullaby of Winter

John M. Feierabend : The Book of Lullabies

Review: Lullabies have brought joy and comfort to infants and toddlers for generations, strengthening the bonds between children and the loved ones in their lives. This special book, for the first time, collects the most cherished of these songs (some in danger of being lost or forgotten), enabling your family to carry on the tradition of nurturing imagination and joy through lullabies.

For generations, the songs and rhymes of American folk culture have delighted children, creating a "hushed wonder" at playtime. No fireworks, no crazy musical arrangements, just adult and child connecting with rhymes and music. These treasures once were passed from parent or grandparent to child, yet in recent years, with changes in technology and family structure, they have been in danger of being lost and forgotten.

Voicing: Preschool

Tom Shorter (Editor) : Sleep, Holy Babe - Lullabies for Christmas

Review: "Sleep, Holy Babe" is a unique collection based on the theme of The Nativity. At its heart lie nine Christmas lullabies, as well as two carols and a motet depicting the story of Christ's birth. These are framed by a pair of Advent antiphons and Magnificat settings and an Epiphany carol. "Sleep, Holy Babe" contains: Five new pieces commissioned specially for this anthology by Daniel Burges, Hilary Campbell, Andrew Earis, Catherine Kontz, and Anthony Mudge - Eight recently-composed works by David Bevan, Alexander Campkin, John Duggan, Emma Gibbins, Trevor Ling, Francis Pott, and Jonathan Rathbone - A variety of texts covering a range of themes including the Lullaby, the Baby Jesus, the Virgin Mary, the Nativity scene, the Star in the east, the Shepherds, the Magi, and King Herod - Two 'O' antiphons (in four and six parts) by Pierre de Manchincourt (1510-1564), and two contemporary faux-bourdon Magnificat settings (in four and eight parts) - New settings of well-known texts such as: "The Coventry Carol", "Lullay my Liking", and "Sing Lullaby" - New and recent texts by: Alexia Anastasiadis, Donald Atkinson, John Duggan, and Claire Lawrence - Two pieces for three-part upper voices (SSA), one unaccompanied, one with harp (or piano) accompaniment; and a three-part piece for lower voices (TTB) - 14 unaccompanied pieces, and 3 accompanied pieces.

Songlist: O Emanuel, Magnificat, O Virgo Virginum, Magnificat (a8), The Virgin Mary Bore a Child, A Lullaby, Sleep My Dreaming One, O Magnum Mysterium, Quid Petis, O Fili?, Lullay, My Liking, Christmas Gifts, Sing Lullaby, O Babe, Born Bare, In Your Father's Care, Coventry Carol, Why Impious Herod

Veljo Tormis : Four Estonian Lullabies

Review: Veljo Tormis (b. 1930) is recognized especially for his vocal and choral works. For him, music begins with words; he does not have "purely musical" ideas. Tormis is a real master of large-scale choral composition. His music is often connected with ancient folk songs of Estonian and other Balto-Finnic peoples.

Songlist: Laulan lapsele (I Sing for My Child), Marjal aega magada (It's Time for the Little Berry to Sleep), Lase kiik kaia! (Let the Cradle Swing!), Aiutus (Lulling)

Joan Frey Boytim : Roses, Laughter & Lullabies

Review: A collection of 18 easy supplementary repertory songs, all in English.

Songlist: Birds in the Night, Cradle Song, The Forsaken Maid, Hymn to the Night, I Have Twelve Oxen, I Will Go With My Father A-Ploughing, It Was A Lover and His Lass, Jeanette and Her Little Wooden Shoes, Love is a Sickness Full of Woes, O, Bid Your Faithful Ariel Fly, Should He Upbraid, Spring Comes Laughing, Tears, Two Roses, Under The Greenwood Tree, The Valley of Laughter, The Winds Are Calling, Without Thee!

Voicing: Mezzo-Soprano
Style: Classical