for SATBarB unaccompanied Balulalow is a Christmas miniature that captures the intimacy and atmosphere of this well-loved 16th-century text. Through homophonic textures, word-painting, the use of extended harmonies, and a lilting rhythm, the piece has a subtlety that provides a challenge for established choirs while remaining musically accessible. Working within a tonal context that implies E minor, Tarney weaves a dense and affecting tapestry depicting the cradle song of Wedderburn's text. Tone clusters, surprising chromaticism, and a few flirtations with whole-tone harmony combine to create a dark, intense mood. Several unprepared harmonic gestures will tax singers until they become familiar with Tarney's language, yet the logic of the part writing eases the process. Several chords stretch the bounds of common practice tonality, and he uses these moments deftly to generate the exalted state of heightened emotion. This setting certainly ranks with those of Britten and Warlock.