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for mixed choir (SSAATTBB) & organ
Text: English (Anon)
Duration: 4'00''
Difficulty: 2/5
Use: Christmas

Nigel Short, founder and director of the choir Tenebrae, adds a jazz flavour to this well-known carol. The result is a serene arrangement with luscious, close harmonies which would be add a reflective moment to your Christmas concert; a sure audience pleaser.

Text
Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,
The little Lord Jesus lay down His sweet head.
The stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay,
The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.

The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes,
The little Lord Jesus no crying he makes.
I love thee, Lord Jesus – look down from the sky
And stay by my side until morning is nigh.

Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask thee to stay
Close by me for ever, and love me, I pray.
Bless all the dear children in thy tender care,
And fit us for heaven, to live with thee there.

Nigel Short
Nigel Short studied singing and piano at the Royal College of Music. He has sung with The Tallis Scholars as well as being a member of the Westminster Abbey, then Westminster Cathedral choirs. He sang with the King’s Singers for seven years.

Nigel is the founder and director of the choir Tenebrae. His aim was to bring together what he loved best as a singer: the more passionate sounds of large cathedral choirs and the precision of ensembles like the King’s Singers. Its repertoire is eclectic with some ‘signature’ works which embrace theatrical elements. Since its debut performance in 2001 Tenebrae has given concerts throughout Europe, the USA and Bermuda. With them, Nigel has performed with the Chamber Orchestra of Europe and the English Concert. They record regularly for Signum Classics.

Nigel divides his time between directing Tenebrae and giving masterclasses and workshops for both professional and amateur vocal groups and choirs throughout Europe.