Choral Choir (SATB) - Level 3 - Digital Download

SKU: A0.885318

Composed by Traditional. Arranged by Penny Rosten, BJ Harris. Celtic,Christian,Christmas. Octavo. 12 pages. Penny Rosten #3591271. Published by Penny Rosten (A0.885318).

A new and interesting interpretation of a familiar Carol, this arrangement of I Saw Three Shipswill have your toes tapping and hands clapping as if you were participating in a Celtic Ceilidh. 

String Quartet Cello,String Quartet,Viola,Violin - Level 4 - Digital Download

SKU: A0.1491680

Composed by Traditional. Arranged by James M. Guthrie. Chamber,Christmas,Historic,Holiday,Traditional. 14 pages. Jmsgu3 #1068354. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.1491680).

I Saw Three Ships is a traditional English Christmas carol that has gained popularity for its melodic simplicity and festive themes. Here are some key points about its significance:

Historical Context
Origins: The earliest known printed version of I Saw Three Ships dates back to the 17th century, with a notable publication by William Sandys in 1833. The song was likely known earlier under As I Sat On a Sunny Bank, particularly popular in Cornwall.

Cultural Relevance: The carol reflects a period when maritime themes were prominent in English culture, coinciding with the Age of Exploration. This context made the imagery of ships particularly resonant for audiences of the time.

Symbolism and Interpretation
The Ships: The lyrics describe three ships arriving on Christmas Day, which has led to various interpretations. One common belief is that the ships symbolize the three vessels that carried the relics of the Magi to Cologne Cathedral in the 12th century. Alternatively, they may represent the camels used by the Magi, often referred to as ships of the desert due to their role in transporting the wise men to Bethlehem.

Bethlehem's Geography: The song mentions ships sailing into Bethlehem, which raises questions, as the nearest body of water is the Dead Sea, about 20 miles away. This discrepancy has prompted interpretations that focus on the symbolic rather than literal meaning of the ships.

Musical Legacy
Popularity: I Saw Three Ships has been embraced by various artists across genres, with notable recordings by musicians such as Sting, Glen Campbell, and Sufjan Stevens. Its enduring appeal makes it a staple in Christmas music repertoires.

Lyric Variations: Different song versions have emerged over the years, reflecting local traditions and interpretations. Some variations even change the context from Christmas to other celebrations, demonstrating the carol's flexibility in cultural contexts.

In summary, I Saw Three Ships is significant as a cherished Christmas carol and a cultural artifact that encapsulates historical maritime themes, religious symbolism, and the evolution of folk music traditions.

Concert Band - Level 3 - Digital Download

SKU: A0.750927

Composed by Traditional. Arranged by Brendan Elliget MAGA 537. Christmas. Score and parts. 41 pages. BJE Music #5009435. Published by BJE Music (A0.750927).

I Saw Three Ships (Come Sailing In) is a traditional and popular Christmas carol from England. The earliest printed version of I Saw Three Ships is from the 17th century, possibly Derbyshire, and was also published by William Sandys in 1833.

The lyrics mention the ships sailing into Bethlehem, but the nearest body of water is the Dead Sea about 20 miles (32 km) away. The reference to three ships is thought to originate in the three ships that bore the purported relics of the Biblical magi to Cologne Cathedral in the 12th century. Another possible reference is to Wenceslaus II, King of Bohemia, who bore a coat of arms Azure three galleys argent. Another suggestion is that the ships are actually the camels used by the Magi, as camels are frequently referred to as ships of the desert. [Wikipedia]

 The bright arrangement is for full Concert Band.  The MP3 was recorded with NotePerformer 3.

Part of this arrangement was used in my Christmas Suite No. 1. (See associated scores)

Grade = 4 Duration 1:50 mins

Level 4 - Digital Download

SKU: A0.1136036

By Budapest Scoring. By Traditional. Arranged by David Warin Solomons. Christmas,Classical. Full Performance. Duration 172. David Warin Solomons #736061. Published by David Warin Solomons (A0.1136036).

Based on a Derbyshire Christmas carol which is thought to go as far back as the 17th century. My arrangement includes variations ranging from different time signatures and different modes. Original words: I saw three ships come sailing in On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day; I saw three ships come sailing in On Christmas Day in the morning. And what was in those ships all three, On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day? And what was in those ships all three, On Christmas Day in the morning? The Virgin Mary and Christ were there, On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day; The Virgin Mary and Christ were there, On Christmas Day in the morning. Pray, wither sailed those ships all three, On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day; Pray, wither sailed those ships all three, On Christmas Day in the morning? O they sailed into Bethlehem, On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day; O they sailed into Bethlehem, On Christmas Day in the morning. And all the bells on earth shall ring, On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day; And all the bells on earth shall ring, On Christmas Day in the morning. And all the Angels in Heaven shall sing, On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day; And all the Angels in Heaven shall sing, On Christmas Day in the morning. And all the souls on earth shall sing, On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day; And all the souls on earth shall sing, On Christmas Day in the morning. Then let us all rejoice again, On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day; Then let us all rejoice again, On Christmas Day in the morning. Performed by Anita Szabó Ildikó Szabady Iza Nagy Boglárka Dávid.

String Ensemble Cello,Double Bass,Viola,Violin - Level 3 - Digital Download

SKU: A0.1129724

Composed by George Edwin Smith, ASCAP. Christmas,Holiday,Traditional. Score and parts. 13 pages. GloriaDeoMusic #730134. Published by GloriaDeoMusic (A0.1129724).

This lively combination for Strings of I Saw Three Ships and original music was written by published, four-time award-winning composer, George Edwin Smith. The 2:00 minute work is especially appropriate for Christmas or Epiphany. The first tune is from I Saw Three Ships (Come Sailing In), a traditional and popular Christmas carol from England. The earliest printed version of I Saw Three Ships is from the 17th century. The second tune is original.

Brass Ensemble - Level 3 - Digital Download

SKU: A0.902049

Composed by George Edwin Smith. Christian,Christmas. Score and parts. 14 pages. GloriaDeoMusic #6140329. Published by GloriaDeoMusic (A0.902049).

This flexible arrangement for Brass can be performed independently, or used as an accompaniment for A Canticle for Christmas for SATB Choir, also by George Edwin Smith. (Details available at https://GloriaDeoMusic.com)

This lively combination of I Saw Three Ships and original music and lyrics was written by published, four-time award-winning composer, George Edwin Smith.  The 2:05 minute work is especially appropriate for Christmas or Epiphany.  The first tune is from I Saw Three Ships (Come Sailing In), a traditional and popular Christmas carol from England. The earliest printed version of I Saw Three Ships is from the 17th century.  The second tune is original.

More details are available at https://GloriaDeoMusic.com

C Instrument - Level 1 - Digital Download

SKU: A0.508957

By Traditional English Carol. By Traditional English Carol. Arranged by R. Salvario. Children,Christmas,Holiday,Sacred,Traditional. Lead Sheet / Fake Book. 1 pages. Brambilla-Morris Press #120068. Published by Brambilla-Morris Press (A0.508957).

I Saw Three Ships (Key of C Major). This is a simple lead sheet for the song I Saw Three Ships and you will love how it sounds! When you download the PDF you will get the sheet music with chord symbols.

Piano,Vocal,Voice - Level 3 - Digital Download

SKU: A0.510502

Composed by Traditional. Arranged by Mario Stallbaumer. Christmas. Score. 1 pages. Mario Stallbaumer #3918771. Published by Mario Stallbaumer (A0.510502).

With this sheet music, you can play the famous Christmas carol “I Saw Three Ships (Come Sailing In)� on piano.
“I Saw Three Ships� is a traditional Christmas carol which dates back to the 17th century.

Flute Duet Flute - Digital Download

SKU: A0.1325793

By Traditional English Carol. By Traditional English Carol. Arranged by R. Salvario. Christmas,Multicultural,Praise & Worship,Sacred,Traditional,World. Score. 5 pages. Brambilla-Morris Press #913984. Published by Brambilla-Morris Press (A0.1325793).

I Saw Three Ships (Key of F Major)

This is an arrangement for the song I Saw Three Ships; you will love how it sounds! You will get the score and the individual part when you download the PDF.

Banjo - Level 1 - Digital Download

SKU: A0.1317198

Composed by Traditional English Carol. Arranged by Charles Henri Linton. Christmas. Score. 1 pages. Gorganziolak Productions #905871. Published by Gorganziolak Productions (A0.1317198).

This is an easy arrangement of the Christmas classic I Saw Three Ships for clawhammer style banjo (gDGBD).  Enjoy!

I Saw Three Ships | Christmas Songs for Clawhammer Banjo
Arranged by Charles Linton.

Violin Duet Violin - Digital Download

SKU: A0.1332872

By Traditional English Carol. By Traditional English Carol. Arranged by R. Salvario. Christmas,Multicultural,Praise & Worship,Sacred,Traditional,World. 5 pages. Brambilla-Morris Press #919279. Published by Brambilla-Morris Press (A0.1332872).

I Saw Three Ships (Key of G Major)

This is an arrangement for the song I Saw Three Ships; you will love how it sounds! You will get the score and the individual part when you download the PDF.

Choral Choir,Choral (SATB) - Level 4 - Digital Download

SKU: A0.1095552

Composed by Music by Erica Avery (Words: 17th Century English Carol). Arranged by Erica Avery. Christian,Christmas,Contemporary,Contest,Festival. 10 pages. Avery Music #699557. Published by Avery Music (A0.1095552).

Fun, lively, gospel style version of I Saw Three Ships. Original words with a 21st Century flavour. Dream-like middle sequence, some tenor solo moments, syncopated rhythms, a big finish key change...perfect for any Christmas celebration!

Also available as SSA plus piano here: https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/title/i-saw-three-ships-ssa-digital-sheet-music/22339758

Thank you for looking 

Check out my other arrangements and original compositions here:
https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/search?Ntt=erica+avery

Have a look at my very popular arrangement of Here Comes the Sun here: https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/title/here-comes-the-sun-digital-sheet-music/21959749

www.erica.avery.co.uk.

Trumpet Duet Trumpet - Level 3 - Digital Download

SKU: A0.734509

Composed by Traditional Christmas Carol. Arranged by Dennis Ruello. Baroque,Christian,Christmas,Holiday,Sacred. Score. 3 pages. Chicory Music #6139609. Published by Chicory Music (A0.734509).

I Saw Three Ships (Come Sailing In) is a traditional and popular Christmas carol from England. The earliest printed version of I Saw Three Ships is from the 17th century, possibly Derbyshire, and was also published by William Sandys in 1833. This trumpet duet, arranged at the intermediate level, starts in Bb major and modulates to Eb major. It's perfect for church services, Christmas programs, holiday parties or busking. Performance time: 1 minute 55 seconds.

Violin Duet Violin - Digital Download

SKU: A0.1332943

By Traditional English Carol. By Traditional English Carol. Arranged by R. Salvario. Christmas,Multicultural,Praise & Worship,Sacred,Traditional,World. 5 pages. Brambilla-Morris Press #919300. Published by Brambilla-Morris Press (A0.1332943).

I Saw Three Ships (Key of F-Sharp Major)

This is an arrangement for the song I Saw Three Ships; you will love how it sounds! You will get the score and the individual part when you download the PDF.

C Instrument - Level 1 - Digital Download

SKU: A0.508958

By Traditional English Carol. By Traditional English Carol. Arranged by R. Salvario. Children,Christmas,Holiday,Sacred,Traditional. Lead Sheet / Fake Book. 1 pages. Brambilla-Morris Press #120069. Published by Brambilla-Morris Press (A0.508958).

I Saw Three Ships (Key of D Major). This is a simple lead sheet for the song I Saw Three Ships and you will love how it sounds! When you download the PDF you will get the sheet music with chord symbols.