Berceuse
Romantic works
Definition
A lullaby — a quiet, gently rocking piece typically in 6/8 meter over a sustained bass drone or ostinato. Intimate and calming in character.
Historical Context
Chopin's Berceuse (Op. 57) is the archetype: 70 variations over an unchanging bass ostinato. Fauré, Stravinsky, Grieg, and Ginastera all wrote notable examples. The form requires restraint and an extreme pianissimo touch.