|
|
Post by Richard on Jul 13, 2013 7:26:51 GMT
Thanks for finding the Classic FM video, Bob!  I've posted the YouTube link on our Facebook page.  Richard  |
|
|
|
Post by comet on Jul 13, 2013 12:01:50 GMT
What a beautiful video. This is how Hayley is in concert Simba.
How long before it gets a million views ?
My guess, Before August 1st
Had better start passing on the link to it .
|
|
|
|
Post by Simba on Jul 13, 2013 12:34:39 GMT
Wonderful! I hope someday I'll get the chance to see her live! My dream And hushabye was a great way to listen to quality studio recording of her live tones And haha, I do hope it gets a million view to begin with And I'm also hoping for a special music video for this, considering the fact that none of the promos have gone to VEVO XD |
|
|
|
Post by martindn on Jul 22, 2013 17:52:09 GMT
There is a new article on Classic FM in the form of an interview with Paul Mealor about the writing of this song. He is very complimentary about Hayley's recording. www.classicfm.com/composers/mealor/guides/how-i-wrote-sleep-paul-mealorHow I Wrote... Sleep On - Paul Mealor22nd July 2013, 17:08
Paul Mealor
Comments
Download Sleep On on iTunes
Discover: Mealor
More Music for Babies
Paul Mealor's in the hot seat this week as we explore the inspiration behind his lullaby, Sleep On, dedicated to the Royal Baby.
Composer: Paul Mealor
Piece: Sleep on
Date written: 2013
In a sentence or less, how would you describe the music to someone who's never heard it before?
Sleep on is a gentle lullaby for female voice, with a rocking harp and strings accompaniment, devised as a real aid to sleep.
How did the idea for the piece come about?
Hayley Westenra and I wanted to create a lullaby for TRH The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's first child. I knew I wanted to compose a very lyrical, gentle piece and so I composed a lilting melody to begin with. Then I turned to the fabulous Irish poet and lyricist, Brendan Graham (who wrote the words to that famous hit, You Raise Me Up) for the lyrics, and he wrote THE most amazing words. Out of these beautiful words about hope and a mother's love, I built the rest of the song.
Did you have a musical 'EUREKA!' moment where everything fell into place, or did the piece gradually shift and change over time?
I did have a eureka moment. Often with me, I fall asleep thinking about a piece and, in the morning, I awake with an idea; and, this is what happened with Sleep On! I love it when this happens. Then the real work starts - shaping the melody into a real piece of music.
Is there a musical moment in the piece you're most proud of?
Yes, the second verse of the song has a flute countermelody, and I think this really adds a beautiful new colour to the work... It was something I really agonised about, and I'm so glad I left it in!
What's been your favourite performance of the music?
Hayley Westenra's recording!! She sings it so beautifully, it's hard to imagine anyone else singing it now.
If you could hear anyone admit they're a huge fan of the piece, who would it be?
I'm a real Harry Potter freak-of-a-fan; so, if JK Rowling liked my Sleep on, I'd fall down with pride!!
If you had to compose it again, what would you change?
I think I would add another verse. I could imagine one more verse coloured by the strings in another way; though, as William Mathias used to say, "it's always better to leave them wanting more, rather than wanting less!"
Where was the premiere and how did you feel hearing the piece for the first time?
I heard the first edit of the recording first, and was bowled over by how Hayley had captured so intimately the emotion that Brendan and I had imbued in the piece. I was very moved hearing it, as I often am. Being a composer is often a lonely occupation, writing on one's own; however, in performance or in recording, you can really connect with the performers through your music, and that's a uniquely beautiful experience.Martin D |
|
|
|
Post by Bamafan on Jul 22, 2013 18:25:14 GMT
|
|
|
|
Post by Simba on Jul 22, 2013 20:12:58 GMT
|
|
|
|
Post by Ross on Jul 23, 2013 6:09:45 GMT
Hayley's offer of a free CD was on the TV One news tonight in NZ. If it isn't on their website later I will you tube it Sent from my MB865 using proboards |
|
|
|
Post by Ross on Jul 23, 2013 6:31:22 GMT
|
|
|
|
Post by Richard on Jul 23, 2013 7:37:46 GMT
Hello Martin D! Thanks for finding Classic FM's interview with Paul Mealor. I've posted the link on our Facebook page. Richard |
|
|
|
Post by Bamafan on Jul 23, 2013 11:20:12 GMT
|
|
|
|
Post by martindn on Jul 24, 2013 18:20:48 GMT
Here's another article, this time from Canada. www.theprovince.com/life/royals/lullaby+royal+baby/8344593/story.htmlThe Welsh composer who created music for the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton has added to the couple's music library with a lullaby for their baby-to-be, according to British press reports.
Paul Mealor is said to have written the soothing song, Sleep On, in honour of the couple's first child, expected in July.
"After writing music for the Royal Wedding it seemed natural to provide the musical accompaniment for the next stage of the royal couple's journey together," Mealor was reported as saying in several news reports.
Superstar New Zealand soprano Hayley Westenra, who has performed around the world, is said to be including the song on her new album, Hushabye, which she has apparently dedicated to the littlest royal. Her website says the album was assembled to "calm and soothe listeners of all ages" with its melodies of guitar, flute and strings.
"Paul and I got together to work on a song called Sleep On in honour of William and Kate's new arrival as it's such a joyous occasion which we can all celebrate," an enthusiastic Westenra told the press.
Mealor received international praise for "Ubi caritas," which was performed at the wedding of Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge on April 29, 2011 by the choirs of Westminster Abbey and Her Majesty's Chapel Royal.Martin D |
|
