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Story behind the piece:

In the Alleyways song each voice progresses in turn from the unseeing child playing in the dusty alleyways to awareness of the angels singing and the great Christmas event. It was written specially for the Manchester Cathedral Cantata Choir. The mp3 recording was the première, sung by the Manchester Cathedral Cantata Choir under Christopher Stokes.  The video incorporates the men’s voice choir version, sung by the composer.

News:

This piece has now also been included in the repertoire of the  excellent Altèri Choir of Manchester and their first performance was on October 18th 2008 in St Ann’s Church Manchester.

Lyrics:

Alleyways

See the children playing in the dusty alleyways

all the buildings round them give no hint

of the miracle which happened in a tiny stable just close by,

Noel

Oh children you do not hear

Oh children you do not know the great and mighty

the full and blessed cure

the baby Jesus is God incarnate

oh hear the angels rise now from the dusty streets and noisy alleyways

come and see the wonder which is come to you

leave your games and join the great celestial choir of angels

Noel

We were children playing in the dusty alleyways

We don't see the angels hov'ring overhead

Now we see the angels singing singing praises

We can join the angels singing singing praises

singing alleluia

leave your games and join the great celestial choir

Oh Children, Sing!

Get pdf of Score  

Alleyways

for choir (SATB with splits)

Download mp3 of first performance performed by Manchester Cathedral Cantata Choir

Video of Alleyways - performed by the composer