This is a setting of 'Away in a Manger' where I have deliberately avoided the usual 'lullaby' feel, choosing instead a bright tempo and quite a rhythmic piano part. There is a conventional key change for the third and fourth verses (the lyrics for the fourth verse are those of the opening), and where the singers are joined by a descant recorder line, with simple three-part division only at the close. Rather like Haydn's philosophy, you don't always have to be too serious in music of a religious ... (more)

This is a setting of 'Away in a Manger' where I have deliberately avoided the usual 'lullaby' feel, choosing instead a bright tempo and quite a rhythmic piano part. There is a conventional key change for the third and fourth verses (the lyrics for the fourth verse are those of the opening), and where the singers are joined by a descant recorder line, with simple three-part division only at the close. Rather like Haydn's philosophy, you don't always have to be too serious in music of a religious nature, and the children did seem to enjoy singing this, as much as the usual setting, which it is in no way intended ever to replace!

All Reviews

There are 3 reviews for this score

Great melody
I concur with the past 2 reviewers that the words are meant to be peaceful, but I would suggest that it wouldn't be too hard to put this same tune into a more calm setting - I feel that the end does not really suit the words, even though it does suit your melody. Am I right in thinking that your main tune is a variation on the usual tune? Or is it just my imagination? I did find the piece easy to follow from a singing perspective.

Peter Ward

hmmmmm
I think I agree with the previous review about this. The words are, regardless of the melody they are sung to, reflective and calm. This tune - good as it is - is not, and as such the two don't really go together. Hats off for attempting to do something different with the words, though.

E Townsend

Splendid tune - wrong words
This is a spendid tune - especially when played fast. However, when used with 'Away in a Manger', it seems like a parody. There are not too many 11.11.11.11 hymns, but the tune seems ideal for 'Immortal, invisible, God only wise'

Michael Jackson