Estonian Lullaby

The two lullabies – Estonian Lullaby and Christmas Lullaby – were commissioned by Jordi Savall for his ensemble, Hespèrion XXI, with the idea of including lullabies from different times in their new album. The CD Ninna Nanna ca. 1500–2002 was released by the record label Alia Vox in 2002. Although Pärt’s lullabies were recorded for the CD by the early music ensemble, they were originally composed with piano accompaniment.

The earlier of the two, Estonian Lullaby, composed for female voices and piano, is based on a folk song from Jõhvi, where the composer has smoothened the original melodic line.

In addition to the version for female choir and string orchestra (2006), both songs have been also arranged for a soprano, four violas and…

The two lullabies – Estonian Lullaby and Christmas Lullaby – were commissioned by Jordi Savall for his ensemble, Hespèrion XXI, with the idea of including lullabies from different times in their new album. The CD Ninna Nanna ca. 1500–2002 was released by the record label Alia Vox in 2002. Although Pärt’s lullabies were recorded for the CD by the early music ensemble, they were originally composed with piano accompaniment.

The earlier of the two, Estonian Lullaby, composed for female voices and piano, is based on a folk song from Jõhvi, where the composer has smoothened the original melodic line.

In addition to the version for female choir and string orchestra (2006), both songs have been also arranged for a soprano, four violas and four violoncellos (2009).

Arvo Pärt: "Lullabies are like little pieces of lost Paradise – a small consolation combined with the feeling of profundity and intimacy. I wrote these two lullabies for adults and for the child within every one of us."