About the work
A tender and accessible piece for the Christmas season. Scored for unaccompanied mixed choir.
Commissioned by Marcus Klotz and the Zoe Choir.
Text
Little Lamb who made thee
Dost thou know who made thee
Gave thee life & bid thee feed.
By the stream & o’er the mead;
Gave thee clothing of delight,
Softest clothing wooly bright;
Gave thee such a tender voice,
Making all the vales rejoice!
Little Lamb who made thee
Dost thou know who made thee
Little Lamb I’ll tell thee,
Little Lamb I’ll tell thee!
He is called by thy name,
For he calls himself a Lamb:
He is meek & he is mild,
He became a little child:
I a child & thou a lamb,
We are called by his name.
Little Lamb God bless thee.
Little Lamb God bless thee.
Text by William Blake (1757-1927).
Notes
It’s hard to approach a text that’s as synonymous with its musical setting as “The Lamb.” John Tavener’s immaculate choral work is a personal favorite of mine, but when I read the text, I found a sweetness still waiting to be shared.
“The Lamb” is as humbling as it is grateful. It’s a simple conversation between a child and a lamb that relishes in the beauty of being.
