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• Griffiths, V: A Boy's Song; computer-set 

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These four short songs were written with a view to providing material for very young singers, although they have probably ended up a little more challenging than intended. However, they are written with a fairly narrow pitch range (mostly within the octave from middle C up), and with nothing too challenging in the rhythms. The accompaniments are simple and supportive, while only rarely actually doubling the vocal line.

All four texts are traditional lullabies. In the first two cases they are simply from ‘Anonymous’ sources, while the third is of African origin, and the fourth is Canadian. The first text is nautical in its theme – all on board a boat are asleep and the singer sings to the fishes while thinking of “…the ones I love best”. The second text is a little piece of nonsense about the Man in the Moon. Wanting a drink of milk, he tries to dip into the Milky Way – however two of the constellations (the Big Bear and the Little Bear) see him and frighten him with their growling. Needless to say, he spills his milk! The third text is a short African poem, which contrasts the night’s wind and rain with a mother’s prayer for her child’s safety. The music turns to a more dynamic style, reminiscent of calypso rhythms. The fourth text is a picture of a mother gently singing while rocking her baby. The middle stanza of this is the very familiar “Rockabye baby, on the treetop…” known throughout the English speaking world.

• Hamilton: Dreams for Sale; computer-set 

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• Felicity Williams: The Quangle Wangle  Year: 1992 

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Rain is an iconic poem by Hone Tuwhare, describing beautifully a feature of the weather but also subtly ruminating on death. The setting is quiet and lyrical, with an optional part for a rainmaker (to be played by the singer). This setting for baritone and piano was written for Matt Landreth, and recorded by him. The recording and score were auctioned to raise funds for the Otago Hospice appeal in May 2008. The song was subsequently scored for orchestra and recorded by Matt Landreth and the Auckland Philharmonia.

• Ritchie: Rain; computer-set 

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• Ritchie: Rain; computer-set 

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These songs were written while at the University of Otago Wallace residence at Pah Homestead. The texts are all from around the 16th Century. The first, The Three Ravens, is of English origin, appearing as the text for a song in Thomas Ravenscroft’s Melismata. The second, The Elphin Knight, is Scottish and is an older version of Scarborough Fair. The final song, Je ne l’ose dire, is the text from a madrigal by Pierre Certon, and is a gossip song about a man who is being cuckolded by his wife.

“With melody-line and form generally akin to Renaissance song, the contemporary harmonies and pianoforte style of accompaniment gave these delightful songs 21st century gilding.”
- Elizabeth Bouman, Otago Daily Times

• Adams, C.: Three Songs on Old Texts; computer-set 

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• Adams, C.: Three Songs on Old Texts; computer-set 

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Wellington’s cable car is a major attraction of the city. Willow lived in Kelburn, Wellington, for nearly a year and rode to the city in the cable car almost daily. This song was written to celebrate the unique features of a cable car ride and view of Wellington (including the bell), and was recorded by The Mariners on Kiwi EP record The Four Cities and Two Gold Towns in 1961.

• Macky: Up the Hill in the Cable Car; facsimile 

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