Bruce Montgomery: Scottish Lullaby (1954)

One of the most delightful miniatures to come from the pen of English composer Bruce Montgomery (1921-78) is the Scottish Lullaby. The work was completed on 16 July 1954. David Whittle, in his study of the composer (2007, p.148) writes that the work’s antecedents was the score for the 1954 film, The Kidnappers. This sentimental fable was set in Nova Scotia at the turn of the 20th century. The plot concerns “small orphan brothers who come to live with their tyrannical Scots grandfather and, while mixed up in the disappearance of a baby, soften the old man's stony heart, prompt him to end a bitter feud and win for themselves a coveted pet.”

The film starred the Scottish actor and comedian (in a vital role, here) Duncan Macrae as well as child actors Jon Whitely and Vincent Winter.

The extracted Scottish Lullaby is “almost entirely” based on the old Gaelic melody O Can Ye Sew Cushions? which was used in the film. The piece is scored for chamber ensemble. Philip Lane, in the liner notes for the works only recording (CD WHL 2145) suggests that it is “what Percy Grainger would have called a ‘ramble’ on the folksong. Removed from its film setting, this is gently evocative of the Scottish Highlands, as perhaps as stranger would see them.

Paul Snook, reviewing the above CD for Fanfare, (January 2004) wrote that the Scottish Lullaby along with its companion piece Scottish Aubade are “two lovely pieces [that] are exceptional examples of how to blend folkloristic sources with symphonic procedures without compromising either element.”

Whittle (2007, p.290) notes that the work was premiered during April 1955 at Baron’s Hall, Arundel Castle, Sussex by the Southern String Orchestra. The Worthing Gazette (20 April 1955, p.5) notes that “The guest artist was the well-known soprano Isobel Baillie. The programme, which included works by Gluck. Haydn and Mozart, was heard by a near capacity audience.” No mention is made of Mongomery’s Scottish Lullaby.

Most significantly it was given the first broadcast performance by the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra on 18 October 1956.

Bruce Montgomery’s Scottish Lullaby can be heard on YouTube, here. It is the second part of this upload beginning at the 7.25 section. This track is taken from the 2003 CD British Films Composer (CD WHL 2145). Other composers on this disc include Clifton Parker, Leighton Lucas, Anthony Collins, and Eric Rogers. The Royal Ballet Sinfonia is conduced by Gavin Sutherland.

Bibliography:
Whittle, David, Bruce Montgomery/Edmund Crispin: A Life in Music and Books, Aldershot, Ashgate, 2007)