Polly Bekasova’s advanced piano arrangement of We Three Kings is a flowing and expressive Christmas carol setting. The music is marked Allegretto and written in 3/8 time, giving it a steady, gently moving pulse. The arrangement begins with a clear presentation of the familiar melody, then gradually expands into fuller chordal writing, moving accompaniment patterns, arpeggios, and a more brilliant final section. The main challenge is to keep the carol melody clear while handling the more advanced textures smoothly.

Measures 1–10 introduce the main carol theme. The right hand carries the melody in a simple, singing style, while the left hand supports with steady bass notes and light accompaniment. The opening should sound calm, clear, and slightly mysterious.

Measures 11–20 continue the first verse-like section. The melody remains mostly in the right hand, with the left hand giving a stable harmonic foundation underneath. The performer should keep the phrasing natural so the tune sounds vocal rather than mechanical.

Measures 21–31 continue the carol melody with gentle shaping. The right hand moves through the familiar phrases, while the left hand keeps the 3/8 motion steady. The challenge here is balance: the melody should sing clearly above the accompaniment.

Measures 32–41 begin to move away from the simpler opening texture. The hands shift registers, and the accompaniment becomes more active. This section prepares the fuller and more dramatic writing that begins near the end of the first page.

Measures 42–59 introduce a stronger chordal texture. The right hand plays repeated chords while the left hand supports with bass notes and rhythmic movement. This gives the arrangement more weight and energy while still keeping the carol character.

Measures 60–77 continue the fuller middle section. The melody appears above thicker accompaniment patterns, and the left hand becomes more active. The sound should be broader here, but not too heavy—the Christmas carol melody still needs to remain clear.

Measures 78–90 shift into a more flowing arpeggiated texture. The left hand begins to move in wider broken patterns, while the right hand continues the melodic and harmonic shape above it. This section adds a more advanced, Romantic-style sound to the arrangement.

Measures 91–109 continue the arpeggiated accompaniment with a smooth, rolling motion. The right hand carries sustained melody notes and chord tones while the left hand keeps the flowing pattern steady underneath. The pianist should keep this section even and controlled, avoiding any rushed or uneven motion.

Measures 110–116 build toward the final section. The harmony and register rise, and the music begins to feel more expansive. The left hand continues the moving accompaniment while the right hand prepares the final upward gesture.

Measures 117–end close the arrangement with a high octave passage and a clean final release. After the flowing middle and fuller chordal writing, the ending should sound bright, graceful, and polished.

Interesting fact: We Three Kings is unusual among Christmas carols because the verses are connected to the gifts of the Magi: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. This gives the carol a storytelling quality, which makes it especially effective in expressive piano arrangements.