Lost Lullabies - SSAA/piano

Inspired by the 1,116 orphaned Polish children who, as Holocaust survivors, were brought to Canada after World War II and became known as The Redeemed Children. These tunes, and others like them, were the only possessions they had and their only direct connection to the past. I received a copy of a book of tunes (unarranged) while speaking at a conference; an elderly gentlemen came up to me, pressed them into my hands and asked me to help keep them alive. The work features two tunes, both on the theme of motherhood. The first tune describes a young mother shushing everything around her so that her little son can sleep. The second tune rejoices when the poor are raised up and a barren woman's house is filled with the laughter of children. To honour the integrity of the tunes, this work features idiomatic writing and harmonies and captures not only the rhythm but also the intended mood and sentiment. Brief solo opportunities feature a soprano and alto in a traditional 'cantor' style section. Shifting from sweet and gentle to driving and energetic, this is an excellent work to build musical expression, story telling and deep empathy.Suitable for all intermediate level treble choirs for any recital, concert or festival occasion.