The Christ-Child's Lullaby

This carol, extracted from James MacMillan’s Christmas Oratorio (2020), is an arrangement of the traditional Hebridean melody, ‘Tàladh Chrìosda’, with English text derived from the Scottish Gaelic of Ranald Rankin. The simple but beautiful melody, characterised by its folk atmosphere and ‘scotch-snap’ rhythm, is plainly presented, with just sustained vocal accompaniment becoming more expanded in the ‘Haleluia’ refrains, reminiscent of the bagpipe drone and creating a wonderful sonorous effect. Between each verse and refrain, and also opening and closing the piece, is a tempo-free and flexible a piacere interlude from the accompanying instrument (celesta, glockenspiel, piano, organ or harp) – contemplative moments punctuating the warm choral sections. An approachable carol which will bring something new and less usual to your choir’s Christmas performance.