Instrumental Duet Instrumental Duet,Viola,Violin - Level 3 - Digital Download
SKU: A0.594210
Composed by William J Kirkpatrick. Arranged by David McKeown. Christmas,Jazz,Praise & Worship,Sacred. Score and parts. 4 pages. David McKeown #6560279. Published by David McKeown (A0.594210).
Away in a Manger is a much-loved Christmas carol. This version is arranged as a duet in a Jazz Swing style for one Violin and one Viola. Click on the YouTube link above to listen to a full length performance of this arrangement played on Clarinet.
The melody of Away in a Manger, Cradle Song was written by William J Kirkpatrick, an Irish born American composer. The origins of the lyrics are less certain. Throughout the nineteenth century they were attributed to Martin Luther, but this version of events has since been discredited.
With a performance time of around two and a half minutes, this version of Away in a Manger is perfect for seasonal celebrations and concert performances, both formal and informal. The jazz swing style is a fun and fresh take on this familiar traditional tune.
Away in a Manger is arranged in a key and range best suited to the instruments. The original 3/4 meter has been altered to 4/4. Rhythms are syncopated, as one would expect in swing music, and there is plenty of articulation detail to help deliver an authentic style. The melody is played twice, with intros and outros. This arrangement is suitable for players at an intermediate or early advanced level.
