Once in Royal David’s City: All Piano Arrangements and Lead Sheets

Intermediate piano arrangements

• Intermediate Piano Arrangement No. 1
• Intermediate Piano Arrangement No. 2
• Intermediate Piano Arrangement No. 3
• Intermediate Piano Arrangement No. 4
• Intermediate Piano Arrangement No. 5
• Intermediate Piano Arrangement No. 6

Advanced piano arrangements

• Advanced Piano Arrangement No. 1
• Advanced Piano Arrangement No. 2
• Advanced Piano Arrangement No. 3
• Advanced Piano Arrangement No. 4
• Advanced Piano Arrangement No. 5

Lead sheets in 7 keys

Choose a key — 7 available

• A major
• B♭ major
• C major
• D major
• E♭ major
• F major
• G major

Hymnal setting

This is a traditional hymnal setting, listed separately from the piano arrangements.

• Once in Royal David’s City — Hymnal

A hymn written for children

Cecil Frances Alexander wrote the words of Once in Royal David’s City, and Henry John Gauntlett composed the tune IRBY for the text. The hymn begins with a simple description of the Nativity, reflecting its origins in Alexander’s writing for children. Hymnary’s hymn history.

Choosing a version to play

Start with the difficulty group that matches your current playing, then open a score and compare its texture, hand positions, and length with music you already play comfortably. Arrangement numbers identify versions; they do not rank the pieces from easiest to hardest.

For a melody with your own accompaniment, choose a lead sheet in a comfortable key. Try a simple chord pattern first, then adjust the accompaniment to suit a solo performance or a singer.

RTV lists the numbered piano arrangements under the title “Once in David’s Royal City.” The lead sheets use “Once in Royal David’s City”; both are included here.

More Christmas sheet music on RTV

Explore Christmas Lead Sheets in Different Keys or browse Christmas Hymns from the Hymnal.