Away in a Manger: String Orchestra Conductor Score & Parts
By William J. Kirkpatrick / arr. Jeffrey E. Turner
Grade: 2.5
Item: 00-PK-0007344
$46.00
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Buy Extra Parts (Digital PDF Download)
| Product | Price | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Away in a Manger: Score | $9.00 | |
| Away in a Manger: 1st Violin | $5.99 | |
| Away in a Manger: 2nd Violin | $5.99 | |
| Away in a Manger: 3rd Violin (Viola [TC]) | $5.99 | |
| Away in a Manger: Viola | $5.99 | |
| Away in a Manger: Cello | $5.99 | |
| Away in a Manger: String Bass | $5.99 |
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Description
This is the "other" version of Away in a Manger, the beloved Christmas carol, written by William J. Kirkpatrick. Arranged by Jeffrey E. Turner, it features a string quartet within the orchestra and its haunting beauty is mesmerizing. This is sure to become one of your holiday favorites. (3:00)
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Away in a Manger: String Orchestra Conductor Score & Parts comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.
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Additional Details
Series:
Belwin Intermediate String Orchestra
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
72
SKU:
00-PK-0007344
More about this title
About the Composer: William J. Kirkpatrick
William J. Kirkpatrick (1838, 1921) was a prolific hymn writer and composer whose melodies became cornerstones of American sacred music. Born in Pennsylvania, he wrote over 100 hymns during his lifetime, many of which remain standards in church services and educational settings today.
Kirkpatrick's gift lay in crafting melodies that balanced accessibility with genuine musical depth. Away in a Manger, one of his most enduring compositions, demonstrates his ability to create something both simple enough for congregational singing and rich enough to reward careful arrangement and performance.
Why we love this
Turner's arrangement honors Kirkpatrick's gentle melody while harnessing the warmth and color of a full string section. The integration of a string quartet within the orchestra creates an intimate moment within a larger ensemble sound, allowing the carol to feel both expansive and tender. This balance makes it an ideal choice for conductors seeking Christmas repertoire that moves beyond straightforward arrangements.
What to expect
Quietly reverent. The melody sits atop warm harmonic support, with the string quartet passages bringing an almost chamber-music intimacy. There is space and stillness throughout, inviting listeners into a moment of reflection rather than festive celebration.
Who it's for
String orchestras at the intermediate level looking for Christmas programming that avoids clichéd arrangements. Directors seeking a carol that respects both the carol's spiritual roots and the capabilities of developing musicians will find this version rewarding.
How to get the most out of it
- Shape the phrase arcs with long, singing bows. Avoid the impulse to separate phrases too cleanly; let the melody breathe as though it were being sung.
- Balance the string quartet carefully against the larger ensemble. The quartet passages should be heard clearly, but not isolated. Check that inner voices are never buried when the full orchestra enters.
- Communicate the 3:00 duration through deliberate pacing. This arrangement earns its time; rushing diminishes the meditative quality Turner has crafted.
How to use it
This works beautifully as a concert opener or as a contemplative second half selection that shifts the energy of a winter concert. Pair it with livelier carols to create programming variety, or use it as the emotional centerpiece in a concert built around sacred Christmas themes.
Skills your students will build
- Sustaining long, connected phrases with consistent tone quality
- Balancing within a multi-section ensemble while maintaining independence
- Responding to subtle dynamic shaping and phrasing direction
- Playing with lyrical, song-like approach rather than mechanical technique