Edward Gregson

Lullaby

Written in 1965 to celebrate the birth of the composer's first niece, Jane Ann. Lullaby (or Cradle Song) is cast in ternary form, and whilst the simple melodic outline and gentle 6/8 rocking rhythm of the firstsection may suggest the world of other nursery rhymes, the middle section suggests a slightly different one - that of Romantic piano music of an earlier period, with its lush textures and melodic sequences. The return of theopening music, this time in varied guise, leads to a peaceful and hopefully sleep-inducing ending!