Tags: choir

The March of the Three Kings

By M Ryan Taylor on Feb 22, 2008 | In Brass Band | Send feedback »

The March of the Three Kings

for British-style Brass Band

I wrote this piece, based on a traditional tune, for the Utah Premiere Brass and Timpanogos Chorale a couple of years back. Here is the recording (I’m singing the baritone solo) of the live concert performance in 2005 :

Here are the score and parts:

The instrumentation for the ensemble follows the standard British Brass Band line-up with the addition of a vocal soloist and chorus. The vocal soloist and chorus add a wonderful dimension, but are completely optional. A break-down of the instrumentation for those interested:

  • Soprano Cornet
  • Solo Cornet
  • Repiano Cornet
  • 2nd Cornet
  • 3rd Cornet
  • Flugle
  • Solo Horn
  • 1st Horn
  • 2nd Horn
  • 1st Baritone
  • 2nd Baritone
  • 1st Trombone
  • 2nd Trombone
  • Bass Trombone
  • Euphonium
  • Eb Bass Tuba
  • BBb Bass Tuba
  • Timpani
  • Percussion
  • Vocal Soloist and Chorus (Optional)

For the optional vocal parts I created my own version of the lyrics, very loosely based on the original French carol, La Marches des Trois Mages:

  • The March of the Three Kings
    by M Ryan Taylor

    Dawn breaks forth, arising in the east.
    A mighty host of heroes marches hither.
    Dawn breaks forth, they come from out the east,
    their armor glinting with the rising sun.

    A page boy leads with his trumpet bold,
    he sounds a tone and my heart is filled with wonder.
    "What brings this fierce host to Bethlehem?"
    "We seek the Savior of the race of men!"

    "Three great kings have led us by that star,
    you see it brightly though the sun has risen!
    Three great kings have led us by that star,
    come join our ranks and see the holy child!"

    The host moves on bearing chests of gold.
    I see the kings with a body gaurd of paladins.
    My heart cries out, "You must go with them,
    and find the Savior of the race of men!"

    Street by street we pass each rich abode,
    and each new door holds hope and expectation.
    Street by street, and looking to the star,
    we come at last to where the light shines down.

    The Son  of God lays upon the hay.
    The Son of God laid within a lowly stable.
    Three kings bow low here in Bethlehem,
    before the Savior of the race of men!
Tags: brass band, british brass band, choir, chorus, la marches des trois mages, m ryan taylor, the march of the three kings, timpanogos chorale, utah premiere brass, vocal soloist