Probably the first Christmas song that children learn in the United States is “Jingle Bells.” However, for most youngsters, the first sacred Christmas song they learn is “Away in a Manger.” The simple lyrics capture the nativity tableau with concrete images of the lowing cattle, bright stars, and little Lord Jesus (not to be confused with little lord Fauntleroy).
The song first appeared in American publications in the 1890s. In many publications the text was attributed to Martin Luther, claiming it was a song he wrote to sing to his children. Occasionally it is still referred to as “Luther’s Cradle Carol.” However, the text of the carol does not appear in any of Luther’s writings, nor does the song appear to have been sung in German until well after its publication in America.
If you ask any child how to sing the carol known universally as “Away in a Manger,” they will begin with the two high notes descending through the line (probably the melody going through your head right now) . However, this melody, known as Mueller, is not the only melody for this song. In Great Britain the Cradle Song melody is better known.
While I’m sure that most children would find this scandalous, I’ve always been a fan of the Cradle Song melody. The Mueller melody is far more suited for a solo voice. The high start and the hard to navigate trip down the scale have caused more than one car wreck at a school concert. While there are few things sweeter than a small child’s voice singing the lines with an earnestness only a child can bring, it is not the most attractive melody in other situations.
The Cradle Song melody is simpler in many ways, but this simple rhythmic structure makes it well adapted for choral voices. Though it does not have the dramatic rises and falls of Mueller, it has a peaceful beauty and is more easily performed well. Choirs often ornament the melody with harmonies and soaring descants. Thus each verse can grow in complexity and glory.
I am not suggesting that kindergarten teachers force their children to sing the song to an unfamiliar melody. Children are traditionalists, and anything that different must be wrong. I’m simply saying that no one over seven years old should ever sing that melody.
The same goes for “O Little Town of Bethlehem”!
As always, I welcome your comments.