The Shepherd’s Cradle Song was first published in 1918. It is presented here in the key of Eb Major for low Voices with Piano accompaniment. The text is taken from an anonymous lullaby originally written inGerman which is suitable for any Nativity or Christmastide occasion.Sir Arthur Somervell (1863-1937) was a British composer conductor and civil servant. He studied at King’s College Cambridge and the RoyalCollege of Music under Charles Stanford and Charles Parry. He later became an inspector at the Board of Education for which he received a knighthood. While he wrote several large operatic orchestral and choral works he is bestremembered for his chamber music and art songs.

The text for this lovely anthem is by the prolific lyricist Mary Kay Beall. Here Lee Roesti sets the gentle text for mixed voices accompanied by piano or organ. Consider using the piece on Christmas Eve during Christmastide or Epiphany.