We Three Kings - Advanced Piano Arrangement No. 2

Sacred

Difficulty Level: 7

(68,000 Points)

Description:

“We Three Kings - Advanced Piano Arrangement No. 2” is classified as a Level 7 Piano work worth 68,000 points within the Road to Virtuosity progression system. It is categorized under Advanced Piano Arrangements → Hymns, Hymns - Christmas and is part of the Sacred collection. The sheet music for “We Three Kings - Advanced Piano Arrangement No. 2” provided on this website is available for non-commercial use. This means it may be downloaded, printed, studied, and performed for personal or educational purposes, but it may not be sold, redistributed commercially, or used as part of a paid product without permission.

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:

  1. Get the sheet music.Download or purchase the sheet music using the options available on this page.
  2. Practice the piece carefully.Prepare the complete piece and follow any requirements listed on this page. Watch the video example, when available, to check your notes, rhythm and musical details.
  3. Record your performance.Record the complete performance on your phone, camera or recording app. Perfection is not required; a few minor mistakes are okay. Add a YouTube link, or upload a saved video file for private evaluation.
  4. Submit your video for review.Choose free Public Evaluation for community feedback using a Public or Unlisted YouTube video. Choose paid Private Evaluation for RTV admin feedback using a YouTube link or a video file. Review the charge before paying.
  5. Check your result and collect your points.After review, return to your submission to see the result and any feedback. If approved, collect your points. If more practice is needed, use the feedback to prepare another recording. Only approved private evaluations count toward certificates.