'Lullay, Lullay, La, Lullay': A Reading of an Authentic Medieval Carol- Professor Christopher Page | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

This content explores a medieval English carol called "Lullaby Lulla Lullaby" and its unique dialogue between the Virgin Mary and the Christ child.

Key Insights

• 👶 The carol "Lullaby Lulla Lullaby" is a genuine medieval English piece that showcases the dialogue between the Virgin Mary and the Christ child.
• 🇪🇦 Its refrain, "lil a lil a lil a lullaby lullaby lullaby," adds a rhythmic and soothing element to the carol.
• ❓ The carol is written in 15th-century English, showcasing the linguistic and historical context of the period.
• 💃 While not a dancing song, the carol's structure alludes to the influence of dance music during medieval times.
• 😑 The carol expresses the emotional bond and uncertainty between the Virgin Mary and the Christ child as they discuss his future.
• 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 The carol's lyrics provide insights into the religious beliefs and storytelling traditions of medieval England.
• ❓ The performance of the carol requires individuals proficient in singing in 15th-century English.

Transcript

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Questions & Answers

Q: What is the main theme of the medieval English carol "Lullaby Lulla Lullaby"?

The main theme of the carol is the dialogue between the Virgin Mary and the Christ child, discussing what will happen to him in the future. It showcases their emotional bond and uncertainty about the future.

Q: What is the significance of the refrain "lil a lil a lil a lullaby lullaby lullaby" in the carol?

The refrain serves as a soothing and repetitive element in the carol, mimicking the rhythm and structure of dancing songs. It adds to the overall musicality and charm of the piece.

Q: How does the carol incorporate medieval English language?

The carol is written in 15th-century English, and while it is challenging for many to sing in this language, there are still individuals proficient in it. The use of medieval English adds authenticity and historical context to the performance.

Q: What is the connection between the carol and dancing songs?

Although "Lullaby Lulla Lullaby" is not a dancing song itself, it incorporates elements that allude to dancing songs. The structure and rhythm of the refrain are reminiscent of dance music, showcasing the influence of dance culture during the medieval period.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The content discusses a medieval English carol called "Lullaby Lulla Lullaby" which features a dialogue between the Virgin Mary and the Christ child.

• The refrain of the carol is "lil a lil a lil a lullaby lullaby lullaby" and it references the structure of dancing songs.

• The carol is not a dancing song itself but alludes to dancing songs in its structure.