What was the most popular surveyed song in the AASR?
The most frequently cited song in Survey No. 1 of the AASR was Come Sleep by Peggy Glanville Hicks, a beautiful and accessible example of Australian art song written in 1931.
So why was it mentioned so often by voice teachers?
One reason may be its long availability in an accessible format. The song appeared in a popular published anthology which was widely available for many years and became a familiar teaching resource. Out of print for many years, it is still to be found in libraries and second music stores. Copies may also have been passed down from teacher to student.
Musically, the piece also lends itself well to the studio. The vocal range is limited and largely scalic, meaning the melody moves stepwise without difficult leaps. Although it contains interesting rhythmic metres and modal tonalities, the melodic writing remains manageable for developing singers. This balance allows students to engage with distinctive musical language while still achieving a successful musical outcome.
Another important factor is the number of recordings available. Having multiple interpretations to listen to can significantly support the learning process and deepen a singer’s understanding of style and interpretation.
You’ll find all the links on the song page here
One of the aims of the AASR is to increase the number of recordings of Australian art song repertoire, building on the success of widely taught pieces such as Come Sleep. We look forward to sharing more insights about this song and many others as part of this Australian-focused journey.