RTV repertoire catalog

We Three Kings - Advanced Piano Arrangement No. 2

ID 949 · Structured composer unknown · Piano · Level 7 · Points 68000

Non-Commercial · Download listed · Match: filters

Collections: Hymns Hymns - Christmas

Polly Bekasova’s advanced piano arrangement of We Three Kings is a long, flowing Christmas carol setting with a steady 3/8 pulse and a gradually expanding texture. The music is marked Allegretto, so it should move forward gently without feeling rushed. The arrangement begins with a clear statement of the familiar carol melody, then grows through fuller chords, wider accompaniment patterns, higher register writing, and a strong final section.Measures 1–11 introduce the main carol theme in a clear and simple way. The right hand carries the melody while the left hand supports with repeated bass notes and sustained tones. The opening should sound calm, mysterious, and song-like.Measures 12–31 continue the first verse-like section. The melody remains easy to recognize, while the accompaniment slowly becomes more active. The pianist should keep the tune clearly voiced above the supporting left-hand line.Measures 33–52 begin to thicken the texture. The left hand moves more steadily through broken patterns, while the right hand continues the melody and begins to use fuller shapes. This section should still feel lyrical, but with more motion and energy than the opening.Measures 53–63 introduce a stronger chordal sound. The right hand uses fuller chords while the left hand continues moving underneath. This gives the arrangement a broader and more confident character.Measures 64–83 continue the fuller middle texture. The melody appears above a more active accompaniment, and both hands move with greater strength. The performer should avoid making the sound too heavy so the carol melody remains clear.Measures 84–105 return to a more flowing texture with steady movement in both hands. The right hand carries the upper line while the left hand provides a rolling foundation. This section needs smooth control and even rhythm.Measures 106–126 build the arrangement toward a brighter and more expansive sound. The left hand continues the moving accompaniment while the right hand becomes more active, preparing the higher register writing that follows.Measures 127–147 move into a more brilliant section. The right hand rises into an octave-marked register and the texture becomes brighter and more open. This part should sound graceful and lifted, not forced.Measures 148–168 bring back fuller chordal writing and stronger rhythmic energy. The music grows toward a more powerful ending, with repeated chords and thicker harmony giving the arrangement a grander Christmas character.Measures 169–end close the arrangement with strong chords, repeated bass motion, and a firm final cadence. After the flowing middle sections and higher-register writing, the ending should sound confident, festive, and complete.Interesting fact: We Three Kings was written by John Henry Hopkins Jr., who created both the words and the music. That makes it unusual among well-known Christmas carols, since many carols combine an older tune with a separate text by another writer.How to earn points for this piece:Download or purchase the sheet music.Practice the piece carefully. Watch the video example to make sure you are accurate.Record yourself on video and upload it to YouTube. (Perfection is not required. A few minor mistakes are okay.)Submit a link to your video here for evaluation. We will watch your performance and give you feedback. If you need more practice—we will let you know exactly what you need to work on along with additional practice suggestions. (Or you can submit a video to the public and other users will evaluate your video.)If your performance is good, we will approve your video and you can collect your points.