The Lamb

SATB, 3’30”

Little Lamb, who made thee?
Dost thou know who made thee?
Gave thee life, and bid thee feed,
By the stream and o’er the mead;
Gave thee clothing of delight,
Softest clothing, woolly, 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 callèd by thy name,
For He calls Himself a Lamb.
He is meek, and He is mild;
He became a little child.
I a child, and thou a lamb,
We are callèd by His name.
Little Lamb, God bless thee!
Little Lamb, God bless thee!

William Blake (1757-1827)

The ABAB form of this work is accompanied by atmospheric textures and harmonies, with the writing in non-divisi so that this setting can be accessible to a wide range of choirs. It begins with a quiet, ostinato texture, out of which a flowing alto melody emerges. The melody is then passed between the sections, starting with the basses and tenors, and then upwards into a rising soprano melodic line on “rejoice”, underscoring the beauty and wonder of God’s creation through the eyes of a child.

This work is published by Muziksea.