This edition was prepared by Chris Hutchings — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Afton Water
Staff Notation • Secular, Folk songs
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Afton Water by Chris Hutchings — Lyrics
1.
Flow gently, sweet Afton, among thy green braes!
Flow gently, I'll sing thee a song in thy praise!
My Mary's asleep by the murmuring streamFlow gently, sweet Afton, disturb not her dream!
2.
Thou stock dove whose echo resounds thro' the glen,
Ye wild whistling blackbirds in yon thorny den
Thou greencrested lapwing, thy screaming forbearI charge you, disturb not my slumbering fair.
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About Afton Water
Chris Hutchings sets a familiar Scottish text in this SAB arrangement of Afton Water. The poem expresses a gentle plea to the river Afton to flow softly past the sleeping Mary, so as not to disturb her dreams. The composer captures the pastoral scene, with references to green braes, murmuring streams, and the wild birds of the glen. The music evokes the peaceful atmosphere of the countryside and the tender affection of the narrator for his sleeping beloved. It is a beautiful example of a secular folk-song setting, suitable for developing choirs.
