Singing Dune

How does one pronounce the word “dune?” We were informed by our choir conductor that it should be pronounced “dyoon” rather than “doon” … because “doon” is how Scots pronounce the word “down.” So, when singing Whitaker’s Sleep, we are to make it clear that we’re singing about “dune” … by clearly pronouncing that “y” which is so absent from the written word. Right.

The evening hangs beneath the moon,
A silver thread on darkened dune.
With closing eyes and resting head
I know that sleep is coming soon.

Upon my pillow, safe in bed,
A thousand pictures fill my head,
I cannot sleep, my mind’s a flight;
And yet my limbs seem made of lead

If there are noises in the night,
A frightened shadow, flickering light;
Then I surrender unto sleep,
Where clouds of dream give second sight.

What dreams may come, both dark and deep,
Of flying wings and soaring leap
As I surrender unto sleep,
As I surrender unto sleep,
sleep, sleep, sleep, sleep
(etc.)

-D & T