Away in a Manger: Woodwind Quintet Conductor Score & Parts

Warmth and familiarity wrapped in instrumental color. The three tunes carry the gentle devotion of classic nativity hymns, and hearing them sung by the five voices of the quintet creates an intimate, reflective quality that suits quiet reflection or candlelit performances.

Woodwind quintets looking for accessible seasonal repertoire that doesn't require advanced virtuosity but still sounds polished in a holiday concert. This works for community bands, school wind ensembles with strong woodwind sections, or chamber musicians seeking repertoire for December performances.

• Balance the melodic voices across the quintet. The arrangement likely passes the tune between instruments, so each player must listen for when they're carrying the primary line versus supporting underneath.
• Shape the phrasing in long, singing lines rather than treating each hymn tune as a collection of blocks. The medley works best when transitions feel seamless.
• Pay attention to the tuning of the F horn and bassoon in the lower register; these voices anchor the harmonic foundation and need to lock in with each other.

Program this as the anchor of a holiday segment or as a standalone seasonal offering that bridges classical and festive programming. At 4 minutes 30 seconds, it's substantial enough to stand alone on a concert but short enough to pair with other Christmas pieces.

• Balancing melodic and harmonic roles within a small ensemble
• Listening and intonation across a five-part texture
• Phrase shaping and breath control in hymn-based material
• Blending woodwind timbres to create unified harmonic resonance