A new arrangement by Philip Le Bas of a thirteenth century French Christmas carol from Provence harmonized by Jean-Baptiste Lully (1632-87, attrib.) and, more famously, by Georges Bizet (1838-75, in his "L'Arlesienne Suite" of 1872.) In France the melody is still tightly associated with Christmas, and French audiences start singing their own Christmas words whenever they hear the melody (the arranger has heard it himself!) The English translation used here is adapted from a variety of sources. The three kings (or more precisely the "magi" from St Matthew's gospel) are seen marching towards Bethlehem with their fantastic golden wealth and grandeur. But why are they going to see a low-born baby and why do they worship this child who will die on a cross?

The organ sets the scene from the beginning with its marching accompaniment, and the first verse is sung in unison by all three parts. The second begins with a canon, as used by Bizet, and then breaks into harmony. The first section of the third verse is much quieter and legato, sung by the sopranos and altos, using wonderful chromatic harmonies based on another section from Bizet's suite. The lyrics express wonder at the beautiful music heard from the camp of the kings. The second section, sung in differentiated unison then begins to wonder why the kings "stoop so low to a baby in a manger". Finally the fourth verse, sung in full harmony, returns to the marching accompaniment and reiterates the amazement of meeting these kings with their mysterious mission.

The carol is aimed at parish choirs with limited resources, but a good organist. The melody is well-known, much of it is in unison, and other sections are relatively easy to sing. Care should however should be taken to sing the "dotted" rhythms accurately - this is what gives the carol its marching character.