Work
Songs of Innocence
three songs for solo soprano and piano
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About
This is an arrangement of the version for SSA choir and piano.
William Blake published a set of poems in 1789 under the title 'Songs of Innocence'. The Songs are now often studied for their literary merit alone, but they were originally produced as illuminated books, engraved, hand-printed, and coloured by Blake himself. Of the three songs in this song cycle, only one, 'Nurse's Song', is found in Blake's Songs of Innocence. The other two songs were published earlier but their tone and subject matter is compatible with the title.
'To Morning' has been set to music frequently (often, as in this case, in collections titled 'songs of Innocence'). The third song in this cycle, 'How Sweet I Roam'd', is darker in tone. The singer's innocence is lost to the 'Prince of Love' who holds her in his 'golden cage'.
Difficulty note
These songs are suitable for professional or student vocalists in recital or exam contexts.
Contents note
Three songs, with each song provided in two or three keys to suit different voices:
1a. To Morning (in c)
1b. To Morning (in d)
1c. To Morning (in e)
2a. Nurse's Song (in D)
2b. Nurse's Song (in E)
3a. How Sweet I Roam'd (in c)
3b. How Sweet I Roam'd (in d)
Text note
William Blake (1757–1827)