Though the Prière du matin cannot be precisely dated, it is assumed to be a product of the mid-1840s—a time of growing frustration in Paris for Berlioz and major triumphs as he took his music to central Europe. Having left his alcoholic wife in 1844 and set up housekeeping with his mistress, Marie Recio, Berlioz felt smothered by the latter's shrill possessiveness and attempted to leave her behind more than once during his concert tours. But nothing could be further from the radiant aura of his setting for two-part children's chorus of Lamartine's Hymne de l'enfant à son reveil, which also inspired a fine, like-titled piano piece by Liszt. Over a gently rocking accompaniment, Berlioz's serene melody, in close harmony, evokes a pristine glow of childlike trust and joy. Curiously, it was first published by Escudier in 1848 in an album with songs by Verdi, Halévy, Adam, Clapisson, and Ermel.

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