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coloredwords (October 4, 2008 at 5:24 am)
I agree with everyone who's said the semitones between the soprano and alto is outstanding. And the Herod verse is absolutely chilling.
I'm also very intrigued by the use of the natural 7th, rather than the leading tone, at the end of the phrases right before "by by lully lullay". I've never heard that before (most versions use the leading tone F-double sharp instead of the natural minor F#), and it really added something, as well as being melodically (and harmonically) surprising.
coloredwords (October 4, 2008 at 5:12 am)
It's about King Herod the Great, who, after hearing about the birth of the "King of the Jews", ordered all the baby boys within a certain age in his whole kingdom to be killed. He wanted to make sure this "king" was dead so he wouldn't usurp his throne.
Of course it didn't work, because Mary and Joseph had fled to Egypt with baby Jesus.
Anyway, yeah, that's the story behind it.
Mikey84 (October 3, 2008 at 3:37 pm)
It's used by the King's Singers too...
Surely this is a beautiful piece. Really haunting...
And about that false relation part: are you sure it was not in Thomas Sharp's reproduction of the original manuscript?
JFman00 (October 1, 2008 at 9:24 am)
The false relation business? Measure 24, on the second by. I don't have an instrument with me so I can't say where I'm hearing the minor second but I'm sure it's there. Happens again measure 38, on young, and m. 52 on the second by.
Just noticed that they didn't do it at the end, but I think it brings out the Picardy third that the piece closes on.
margotlorena (October 1, 2008 at 9:03 am)
what double sharp at 0.59? I don't see any. the thing that I don't see a lot is the minor second at 1.27 the word "young"
JFman00 (October 1, 2008 at 8:40 am)
That double sharp at 0:59 is fantastic, someone said that this happened a lot? Any other examples?
contexum (September 25, 2008 at 1:17 pm)
I had to sing this in 8th grade and yeah i think its pretty sad too. I would hate to see a mother have to watch her son die and the thing is its about a king who wanted to kill all the baby boys in the village or the town i don't remember... very sad and upsetting.
wateva2234 (September 25, 2008 at 8:10 am)
what period was 500 yrs ago...i think it is renaissance
pheebsaysc (September 24, 2008 at 11:49 am)
oh, you're right
sprtrmp88keys (September 22, 2008 at 6:26 pm)
Nope it's Renaissance, I think... |
