Boosey & Hawkes Britten - A Charm Of Lullabies Op. 41 HPS 1474 - MEZZO-soprano et Orchestre
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Summary of This Score
"A Charm of Lullabies" is a vocal cycle composed in December 1947 by Benjamin Britten for mezzo-soprano Nancy Evans, conceived to provide her with a work perfectly suited to her recital programs. For the choice of texts, Britten relied on the advice of Eric Crozier, the singer's husband and a close collaborator of the composer (he had notably written the libretto for the opera Albert Herring shortly before). The set brings together a selection of varied poems, all linked by the theme of night, sleep, and soothing, which gives the work poetic unity despite the diversity of sources.
Often described as one of Britten's gentlest and simplest vocal cycles, this collection charms with its direct writing, sense of phrasing, and emphasis on the mezzo-soprano timbre. Colin Matthews' arrangement clearly stands apart from the original piano version: it is not a mere orchestration but a true development aimed at giving the cycle the breadth required for orchestral performance. This approach enriches the colors, supports the voice with subtlety, and opens new programming possibilities, both for symphonic concerts and evenings focused on 20th-century British vocal repertoire.
Finally, presenting the cycle in two parts, by grouping the first three songs and then the last two, clarifies the musical architecture and facilitates the construction of a coherent dramatic arc. An ideal score for singers, conductors, and accompanists wishing to approach Britten within a nocturnal, expressive, and accessible aesthetic, without sacrificing the stylistic and diction demands inherent to this repertoire.
Technical specifications
| Musical Genre | Classical | Publication | Sheet music |
| Composer | Benjamin Britten | Genre | Vocal cycle (classical music) |
| Arranger | Colin Matthews | Collection | Op. 41 |
| Artist | Nancy Evans | Pages | 72 |
| Instrumentation | Mezzo-soprano and orchestra | Year of publication | 1947 |
Questions frequently asked
What is the instrumentation of A Charm of Lullabies Op. 41?
The score is designed for mezzo-soprano and orchestra, in the arrangement by Colin Matthews.
Does this edition include Britten's piano version?
This edition offers an orchestral version developed by Colin Matthews. It is not limited to transcribing the original piano accompaniment. The arrangement elaborates the orchestral colors to support the mezzo-soprano line.
How many pages does the score have?
The collection contains 72 pages.
How are the songs organized in this cycle?
The cycle is presented in two parts: the first three songs form the first part, while the last two constitute the second.
For which vocal repertoire is this Britten score intended?
Composed in December 1947, this work belongs to the British classical repertoire of the 20th century. The selected texts address night, sleep, and calm, with writing intended for mezzo-soprano.
