WALKER – AWAY IN A MANGER SATB DIVISI A CAPPELLA

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.