Brahms' Lullaby

Brahms' Lullaby (originally titled in German "Guten Abend, gut' Nacht," meaning "Good Evening, Good Night") is the most famous lullaby in the world. Its gentle, rocking melody has soothed infants to sleep around the world for over 150 years.

The lullaby was composed by the renowned nineteenth-century German composer Johannes Brahms. It has been adapted into dozens of languages, children's books, and baby music boxes.

Origins

Johannes Brahms composed the melody in 1868, publishing it as "Wiegenlied" (Cradle Song), Op. 49, No. 4. Brahms wrote the song to celebrate the birth of Hans, the second son of his friend Bertha Faber.

Brahms had been in love with Bertha in her youth, and the melody incorporates the counter-theme of a traditional Viennese love song she used to sing to him. The original German lyrics were taken from Des Knaben Wunderhorn, a famous collection of German youth folklore, while the second verse was adapted from a poem by Georg Scherer.

Meaning & Interpretation

The lyrics are designed to create a sense of absolute security and tranquility for the sleeping child. The reference to "roses bedight" (adorned with roses) and "lilies o'er spread" refers to traditional protective flowers placed around a cradle.

The lullaby frames sleep as a peaceful state watched over by guardian angels. The promise that the child will "wake on my breast" provides maternal reassurance, reinforcing the emotional bond between the caregiver and the infant.

Why did Johannes Brahms compose his famous lullaby?

Brahms composed the lullaby in 1868 as a gift for his friend Bertha Faber to celebrate the birth of her second child. The melody hid a musical tribute to a Viennese folk song Bertha had sung to Brahms years earlier.

What is the German name for Brahms' Lullaby?

The original German title of the song is "Guten Abend, gut' Nacht" (Good Evening, Good Night). In musical cataloging, it is classified under the name "Wiegenlied," Op. 49, No. 4.