About This Piece

"The Seal Lullaby" was commissioned for the animated film Kung Fu Panda but ultimately went unused. Despite this, it has become one of Eric Whitacre's most beloved choral works.

The piece features:

• Gentle, flowing melodic lines
• Lush harmonic progressions
• Text about a mother seal singing to her pup
• Accessible vocal ranges for all parts

Performance Notes

This piece works best with:

• A steady, flowing tempo (♩ = 60-66)
• Careful attention to dynamics
• Smooth, connected phrasing (legato)
• Balance between parts to highlight the melody

Perfect for concerts focused on contemporary choral literature or pieces with nature themes.

Lyrics

Oh! Hush thee, my baby, the night is behind us, And black are the waters that sparkled so green. The moon, o'er the combers, looks downward to find us At rest in the hollows that rustle between.