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Away in a Manger: Treble Chorus, Orchestra Accompaniment, Conductor Score & Parts

$50.00 USD
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Away in a Manger: Treble Chorus, Orchestra Accompaniment, Conductor Score & Parts

Away in a Manger: Treble Chorus, Orchestra Accompaniment, Conductor Score & Parts

By James Ramsey Murray, ed./arr. by Arthur Harris

Item: 36-A791390
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Description
The beautiful Christmas carol AWAY IN A MANGER has long been thought to be the work of the German reformer of religion, Martin Luther, though the text is now believed to have originated in America. While a setting of the text to music by William J. Kirkpatrick is also commonly heard, the setting by American hymnist James Ramsey Murray, first published in his 1887 collection Dainty Songs for Little Lads and Lasses as LUTHER'S CRADLE HYMN, remains the most popular. It is from this publication that the attribution to Martin Luther comes, and an additional spurious attribution to a "Carl Mueller" in 1914 created further confusion, with the melody itself sometimes called "Mueller." Murray's authorship is now fairly established. This arrangement by Arthur Harris is for a boys' choir and orchestra, and a version for mixed chorus, harp and string orchestra (A6734) is also available from the publisher. Instrumentation: 2.2.2.2: 2.0.0.0: Perc(2): Hp.Clst: Str (9-8-7-6-5 in set): Boys' Chorus (SSAA).

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Additional Details
Series: Arthur Harris Christmas Series - Kalmus
Publisher: Keiser Productions, Inc.
UPC: 659859322124
SKU: 36-A791390
Instrumentation: 2.2.2.2: 2.0.0.0: Perc(2): Hp.Clst: Str (9-8-7-6-5 in set): Boys' Chorus (SSAA)

More about this title

About the Composer: James Ramsey Murray

James Ramsey Murray (1841-1905) was an American hymnist and composer who shaped congregational singing in the late 19th century. His gift lay in creating melodies that were both singable and memorable, qualities that made his hymn tunes fixtures in American Protestant worship. Murray compiled several collections of sacred and secular vocal music, including Dainty Songs for Little Lads and Lasses (1887), where "Away in a Manger" first appeared under the title "Luther's Cradle Hymn."

Why we love this

Arthur Harris's orchestration respects the carol's essential simplicity while giving it ceremonial weight. The writing for boys' voices sits comfortably in the treble range, and the orchestral accompaniment (woodwinds, brass, harp, and strings) transforms this familiar carol into a centerpiece appropriate for holiday concerts without overshadowing the singers.

What to expect

The carol unfolds with reverent simplicity, enhanced by the warmth of orchestral color. Harp and strings create a luminous backdrop while the boys' voices carry the familiar melody with clarity and innocence, evoking the quiet intimacy of the nativity story.

Who it's for

This arrangement serves directors of boys' choirs and concert orchestras seeking a sacred holiday selection with broad appeal. It works equally well for all-boys ensembles and mixed choirs that wish to program a treble-voice setting, and the orchestral accompaniment makes it suitable for formal concert presentations.

How to get the most out of it

  • Balance the boys' chorus foreground; the orchestra should support rather than dominate, particularly in the opening phrases where the melody is introduced.
  • Shape the dynamics gradually across longer lines rather than with sudden contrasts. The carol's gentle character calls for nuanced breath control and sustained tone quality.
  • Coordinate with the conductor on whether to use the harp for rhythmic definition or atmospheric coloring, as this choice significantly affects the overall texture.
  • Work the boys' intonation carefully in the SSAA divisi sections; unison passages establish security before moving into harmony.

How to use it

Program this during the opening or closing of a winter concert where it can anchor a holiday medley or stand alone as an interlude between more complex works. It also serves well as a processional or recessional selection and pairs naturally with other sacred or seasonal repertoire in a thematic concert structure.

Skills your students will build

  • Singing in SSAA voicing with secure intonation across divisi passages
  • Blending treble voices with orchestral accompaniment while maintaining vocal independence
  • Sustaining legato phrasing across longer melodic arcs
  • Responding to conductor cues for dynamic shaping and ensemble balance

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