Robert S. Cohen (USA) has written music for orchestra, chamber ensemble, dance and theatre and has been the recipient of numerous awards and commissions. Major works include: Alzheimer’s Stories for soloists, chorus and large ensemble, published by C.F. Peters; Of Eternity Considered as a Closed System for soloists, chorus and orchestra which was premiered at the Carnegie Hall and also performed by the Bulgarian Opera Orchestra and Chorus in Sofia; and Edison Invents for baritone and orchestra. Other recent works include: The Mysterious Transformation of Johann B. for clarinet & percussion, Homeland Security Suite for percussion; String Quartet #2 (A Day in the Life), winner of the 2011 NESQ International Composition Competition and numerous choral works including Sleep, Little Baby, Sleep (published by Hal Leonard). In addition, Bob co-authored the book and composed the score for the 2000 Richard Rodgers Award winning Off-Broadway musical Suburb.

Sleep, Little Baby, Sleep is a setting of a lovely poem written in 1853 by the English poet Christina Rossetti as part of her “Christmas Tide Series”. The poem is part of a trilogy of her poems that I set to music – the others are entitled “Before” and “Christmas Eve”. It is one of my most performed choral works and has been sung by both adult and children’s choirs in arrangements from a cappella choir to chorus & full orchestra. It is currently published in SSA & SATB form by Hal Leonard as part of the renowned choral conductor Henry Leck’s “Creating Artistry” series. I am honored to be given the opportunity to have this work performed as part of the 20th International Review of Composers in Belgrade, Serbia.

Robert S. Cohen www.robertscohen.com