Lullabies in Pursuit of Sweet Dreams

The words may be in a language different from your own, but two evocative recordings meant for quiet interludes and times of comfort prove how music--and lullabies--can sound a universal chord with the young and their elders, too.

The first, titled simply “Chinese Lullabies,” is an exquisite collection of songs recorded by the Beijing Angelic Choir, a children’s choir aptly named for the ethereal purity of their harmonies. The lyrics and most of the liner notes of this beautifully produced album are in Mandarin, but the translated titles--”Clear Moon, Quiet Winds,” “Hammock Hanging Between Betel Trees” and “Kitty, Stop Meowing”--reflect the musical poetry and charm of the sweet and soothing vocals.

* “Chinese Lullabies,” Wind Records, CD: $15.95; cassette: $10.95, plus shipping. (800) 850-5015.

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Folk Dreams: “The Celtic Lullaby,” a treasury of folk music for aficionados as well as for sleepy heads, eases the spirit in many languages in songs from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Nova Scotia and the Isle of Man.

With emotional content that ranges from sunny to more melancholy hues, the album features veteran folk artists in hauntingly lovely multi-part harmonies, a cappella solos and instrumentals on harps and flutes.

Among the selections are a 1973 recording of “Hishie Ba,” a lullaby from the lowlands of Scotland by the renowned Scottish singer Jean Redpath; Welsh singer Dafydd Iwan’s caressing interpretation of the traditional lullaby “Si Hei Lwli”; and “Taladh Chriosda,” a breathtakingly beautiful hymn to mother love from the Nova Scotian “Christ Child Lullaby,” sung by Margo Carruthers.

* “The Celtic Lullaby,” Ellipsis Arts, CD: $19.95; cassette: $16.95. (800) 788-6670.

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Billboard, L.A.: Attention, young artists: The Friends of the Junior Arts Center’s “4th Annual Billboard Contest” invites L.A. children and teens, ages 5 to 17, to create a billboard design reflecting what they love about L.A. or how they would make the city a better place.

First-, second- and third-place winners will be chosen in each of four age categories and one young artist will win the chance to have his or her artwork on 25 color billboards, 12 feet tall by 24 feet wide. Other prizes include art supply prize packages donated by the Art Store, and scholarships for classes at the Junior Arts Center in Barnsdall Art Park.

The deadline for submissions is Nov. 30. For an entry form, call (213) 660-3362.