Away in a manger

This new setting of the traditional text is intended to offer a darker interpretation of the carol. The universally recognised words of Away in a manger are usually associated with one of two well-known melodies. This setting reflects the sometimes-forgotten humility and darkness of the nativity scene, using a folklike minor-mode refrain, and by capturing the lilting atmosphere of a lullaby.

Although the carol is structured around three versions of a simple, balanced melody – one for each verse – each verse is characterised by different choral textures to complement the nuance of the text. Darker harmonies are punctuated with more hopeful moments – references to the stars, and the line ‘I love thee’ – these are marked with brighter sounds and upward melodic gestures woven into the shape of the verse. The final verse shows a more grounded feeling of hope through the use of the major inflection, featuring lighter and warmer tonal colours as we turn our thoughts ‘heaven’-wards.