RTV repertoire catalog

We Wish You a Merry Christmas - Intermediate Piano Arrangement No. 3

ID 1447 · Structured composer unknown · Piano · Level 5 · Points 7655

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Collections: Christmas Popular

“We Wish You a Merry Christmas” is a cheerful piano arrangement of the traditional Christmas carol. This second version, arranged by Polly Bekasova, is written in G major and 3/4 time, with an Allegretto tempo marking. Compared with a very simple setting, this version uses more chordal writing, fuller harmony, hand coordination, and a bright final ending. Students should focus on keeping a steady waltz-like pulse, projecting the melody clearly, and making the repeated chords sound light and festive rather than heavy.Measures 1–4 introduce the opening phrase of the carol. The right hand carries the melody while the left hand adds simple off-beat support underneath. The fermata at the end of the phrase gives the opening a clear pause before the melody continues.Measures 5–9 continue the main melody with a fuller texture. The right hand includes melody notes and small chord tones, while the left hand supports with steady bass notes and simple harmony. This section should stay bright and rhythmic.Measures 10–13 move into the “good tidings” part of the carol. The melody becomes smoother and slightly calmer, while the left hand gives simple harmonic support. The student should keep the 3/4 pulse steady and avoid rushing through the shorter notes.Measures 14–17 complete the first large phrase. The right hand uses small moving figures and chords, while the left hand supports with fuller bass motion. The phrase should close neatly before the arrangement grows stronger.Measures 18–23 bring a more chordal sound. The right hand uses thicker chords and repeated rhythmic figures, while the left hand supports with steady harmony. The fermata helps mark a brief pause before the second page begins its fuller section.Measures 24–34 form the strongest part of the arrangement. The right hand plays repeated chords in a bright, rhythmic pattern, while the left hand carries moving bass notes and parts of the carol’s melodic shape. This section needs careful coordination so the repeated chords stay even and the lower line remains clear.Measures 35–38 move away from the heavy repeated-chord texture and return to a lighter melodic style. The right hand plays short melodic figures, while the left hand supports with simple bass notes and harmony. This prepares the final return of the opening idea.Measures 39 to the end bring back the opening melody in a higher register. The 8va marking makes the ending sound brighter and more festive. The final measures should feel cheerful, clean, and confident, giving the carol a lively Christmas finish.Interesting fact: “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” is famous for the lyric asking for “figgy pudding.” This connects the carol to older Christmas visiting and caroling traditions, where singers might ask for food, drink, or treats while bringing holiday greetings from house to house.How to earn points for this piece:Download or purchase the sheet music.Practice the piece carefully. Watch the video example to make sure you are accurate.Record yourself on video and upload it to YouTube. Perfection is not required. A few minor mistakes are okay.Submit a link to your video here for evaluation. We will watch your performance and give you feedback. If you need more practice, we will let you know what to work on and provide additional practice suggestions. You may also submit your video publicly so other users can evaluate it.If your performance is approved, your video will be accepted and you can collect your points.