“Ding Dong Merrily On High (First Version),” arranged by Polly Bekasova, is a lively advanced piano setting of the familiar Christmas carol. Marked Allegretto, the arrangement keeps the recognizable melody prominent while surrounding it with a busy accompaniment made from repeated-note patterns, broken figures, and fuller chordal writing. The music moves through several presentations of the tune, with changes in register and texture helping the arrangement develop beyond a straightforward hymn-style setting. The piece is 87 measures long and uses recurring rhythmic figures to maintain its energetic character throughout.

Measures 1–20 introduce the carol at Allegretto. The opening establishes the main melodic material while the accompaniment uses repeated, active figures that give the music a light and festive character. The texture quickly becomes fuller as the melody continues through the opening phrase.

Measures 21–39 continue the main material with the melody moving through a more developed piano texture. Repeated rhythmic figures remain an important part of the accompaniment, while changes in register and harmonic support give the passage variety. The section closes with a clear pause before the next major statement.

Measures 40–54 present another substantial section of the arrangement. The writing remains active, with repeated accompaniment patterns supporting the melody. The music uses contrasting registers and fuller sonorities while continuing to develop the familiar carol rather than simply repeating the opening unchanged.

Measures 57–73 continue with another presentation of the melodic material. The repeated-note and broken-note figures remain prominent, creating a consistent rhythmic drive beneath the tune. The texture becomes particularly active in the later part of the passage before leading into the final section.

Measures 74–87 form the closing section. The familiar melody returns within the established accompaniment style, and the final measures gather the musical material into a firm conclusion. The arrangement ends decisively rather than fading away.

Interesting fact: The melody commonly associated with “Ding Dong Merrily on High” comes from a French Renaissance secular dance tune, “Le branle de l’Official,” published by Jehan Tabourot in the sixteenth century. The English Christmas words were written much later by George Ratcliffe Woodward.