In this lilting setting of a 19th-century poem by David Bates, the melody is centered on the interval of the descending minor third, which is so important in early music education. Set in triple meter, with a flowing piano accompaniment …Read More
In this lilting setting of a 19th-century poem by David Bates, the melody is centered on the interval of the descending minor third, which is so important in early music education. Set in triple meter, with a flowing piano accompaniment and a very effective descant in the final verse, it conveys a universal message of love and kindness. "Speak gently! 'Tis a little thing dropped in the heart's deep well. The good, the joy which it may bring, eternity shall tell."