Lullaby (or Cradle Song) by J. Brahms is a famous and familiar melody from the classical music repertoire. In this arrangement for trombone with piano accompaniment the sounding key is F and the PlentyMusic realisation plays back at 76 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute. One of the most beautifully shaped and sounding melodies to be found in the history of Western music. A movement that needs to be played and communicate simplicity even though there is a hint of something a little more complex in the lilting accompaniment. Improve music practice strategies with PlentyMusic pdf sheet music and mp3 accompaniment downloads playing at 72, 76, 80, 84 and 88 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute with each being introduced by a two bar click beat. These are available from the PlentyMusic website. The piano accompaniments available are not as nuanced as an accompanist but do provide the opportunity for preparation for performance. The melody needs to be played legato and there is opportunity to use rubato or robbed time which is associated with the performance of music from this time in music history. As a song intended to be sung by different voices the music is transposed to a key most appropriate for the voice or in this case instrument. When setting the music for performance by a solo instrument there is often a choice of key options for that particular instrument. Where appropriate the music editor has made more than one option available. There are wide variations in tempo as to how the music is performed. The music editor suggests learning the movement at a tempo of 80 quarter note (crotchet beats) to the minute. This is an excellent performance piece that can be played at a range of tempi and players should experiment with the tempo particularly in different acoustics and venues. As a familiar melody it needs to be learnt thoroughly and is an excellent piece for the soloist to memorise. This is a movement inviting interpretation during a performance. Players need to consider articulation, dynamic range and matters of tempo in their performances. An awareness of tempo rubato and its relevance to music performance in the romantic period would also be a valuable practical consideration. Pianists should be aiming for a legato touch in their playing and while use of the sustaining pedal is recommended markings are not indicated in the score. Formally the pattern of the music can be described as binary represented as ABAB The ornaments have been incorporated into the sheet music in the notation to add clarity of intention. Analysis reveals the simplicity of the movement from the harmonic point of view. The tonic, mediant, sub-dominant, dominant 7th and sub mediant chords in the scale all feature in either root position or an inversion. Analysis will help clarify how composers were so the reliant on the cycle of fifths at this particular time in music history. Brahms is an important and significant romantic composer associated with many large scale choral and instrumental works. Most of his music is technically very challenging to play. This song arrangement requires a relatively basic technique and is an excellent introduction to playing his music. Brahms was a family friend of the Schumann family and the connections between them are often referenced in commentaries, music works and performances. For those who have the time, skill set and imagination working the melody with a different accompaniment and stylistic approach can be a rewarding and broadening musical experience Re-invention is an important aspect of music making and PlentyMusic would be keen and willing to both listen and publish work in this category.

Download