Ships!

Description

“I Saw Three Ships” is a traditional English carol that Deborah Baker Monday has set in a lively 6/8. She has done an incredible job of keeping the well-known melody intact while creating a spirited and harmonically interesting backdrop.

Program Notes

This popular carol originated in England in the 17th century. There are many interpretations of the lyrics to “I Saw Three Ships,” mainly because they refer to sailing to Bethlehem, which happens to be a landlocked city. The lyrics mention the ships sailing into Bethlehem, but the nearest body of water is the Dead Sea, about 20 miles away.

The two most popular references to three ships are that they represent the camels ridden by the Wise Men (camels are called “ships of the desert”). Another belief is that they refer to the three ships that carried the relics of the Biblical Magi (three Wise Men) to Cologne Cathedral in the 12th century. Either of these choices would make for a lively discussion as you rehearse this pleasantly surprising arrangement.