VocalEssence Ensemble Singers; Dave Hagedorn, vibraphone

William Blake’s poem, A Cradle Song, was written in 1789 and included in his book Songs of Innocence. I attempted to give it a somewhat contemporary treatment in this composition. Knowing that my old friend, Dave Hagedorn, was going to be the vibraphone accompanist for this year’s contest assignment, I wanted to
make sure there would be moments where the vibraphone would shine. So, I built in cascades at the ends of a number of phrases underneath sustained chords held by the choir.
—Lee Blaske

Sweet dreams, form a shade O’er my lovely infant’s head! Sweet dreams of pleasant streams, By happy, silent, moony beams! Sweet Sleep, with soft down, Weave thy brows an infant crown! Sweet Sleep, angel mild, Hover o’er my happy child! Sweet smiles, in the night, Hover over my delight! Sweet smiles, mother’s smiles, All the livelong night beguiles. Sweet moans, dovelike sighs, Chase not slumber from thy eyes! Sweet moans, sweeter smiles, All the dovelike moans beguiles. Sleep, sleep, happy child! All creation slept and smiled. Sleep, sleep, happy sleep, While over thee thy mother weep. Sweet babe, in thy face, Holy image I can trace; Sweet babe, once like thee, Thy Maker lay, and wept for me. Wept for me, for thee, for all, When he was an infant small. Thou His image ever see, Heavenly face that smiles on thee! Smiles on thee, on me, on all, Who became an infant small; Infant smiles are His own smiles; Heaven and earth to peace beguiles. William Blake