We Three Kings

Description

Violin 1, Violin 2, Violin 3, Viola, Cello, Contrabass, Piano — We Three Kings has long been one of my favorite holiday carols. Although technically a hymn to celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany, it has been generously included with the usual holiday carols each year. This setting explores some unique rhythmic and harmonic ideas I have been thinking about for quite some time. I first explored this in a collection called 14 Advanced Christ- mas Favorites. After further consideration, I thought this would work well for string orchestra.The rhythmic figure from the opening measures sets the tone and pace for this arrangement. The broad statement of the melody over this intense rhythmic energy is the real charm. It passes the torch to a pizzicato section at m. 29. Keep the pyramid of pizzicatos smooth and connected. This gives way to a glorious statement in the violas and celli. The soaring eighth notes in the vio- lins provide some nice contrast, but keep them in an accompanying vain beneath the melody. A rich and haunting statement follows that has a certain film music quality to it. The rhythmic engine returns at m. 90 to set up a recapitulation of the melody and drive towards a big finish. Advanced ensembles don't want to waste their time on simplistic holiday music, and now they don't have to! This setting of the popular carol "We Three Kings" is highly stylized and musically sophisticated. A welcome addition to the repertoire lists of more advanced groups.

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