Berceuse, Op. 48 No. 2 („Die Mutter an der Wiege“)

Paul Juon (6 March 1872 – 21 August 1940) was a Russian-born Swiss composer.

He was born in Moscow, where his father was an insurance official. His parents were Swiss, and he went to a German Primary school in Moscow. He entered the Moscow Conservatory in 1889, where he studied violin and composition. He completed his studies at the Hochschule für Musik in Berlin. During his time in Berlin he was a composition professor, employed by Joseph Joachim.

His works include sonatas for viola, cello, winds, and three for violin, four symphonies (including one in manuscript) and also a chamber symphony, four string quartets, several piano trios, piano quartets and piano quintets as well as one sextet for piano and strings from 1902 and a wind quintet, a number of concerted works including three violin concerti and a triple concerto with piano trio, many piano works and lieder, and a number of stage works including an opera Aleko.

He retired to Switzerland in 1934, and died in Vevey.

"4 Miniaturen, Op.48" were composed in 1911, and the second, "Berceuse („Die Mutter an der Wiege“) was transcribed by H. Clough-Leiter, and published by The Boston Music Co. in 1928.

Henry Clough-Leighter (13 May 1874 — 15 September 1956) was born in Washington, D.C., and began his studies with his mother. He was active as an organist, teacher, and composer, who is most remembered for his transcriptions. He was for many years organist of Christ Church in Providence, Rhode Island.

Berceuse is a cradle song, and can be very effective. I expected this to be quite "simple," but wound up spending 2 days of agony with the thing, trying to get it "right." I think the absolute smoothness I sought is not possible on the organ...

The score is attached below, as well as several photos of Juon, and a drawing of Henry Clough-Leiter.

NOTE - if you play this piece, the 2nd left hand chord of measure 4, page 3, should be the same as ALL the others throughout the piece, and NOT as written!