The 13th‑Century medieval melody ‘March of the Kings’ — a Christmas Epic, that Bizet made famous!
- larees24
- Dec 17, 2025
- 2 min read
🎄 Welcome, to ‘Christmas around the Piano’…a nostalgic musical journey!🎄
Day 17 - December 17, 2025:
“March of the Kings” (French: La Marche des Rois) is one of the oldest, dramatic and most iconic traditional melodies, in the Christmas tradition, from medieval Provence, France.
Its origins stretch back to the 13th century, where it existed as a regional folk tune, long before it became associated with the Biblical Magi.
The melody is traditionally attributed to the 13th‑century Provençal tradition, though its exact composer is unknown.
The French text most commonly associated with it begins with “Ce matin j’ai rencontré le train / De trois grands rois qui allaient en voyage” — describing the procession of the Three Kings on their way to visit the Christ child.
The melody likely predates the lyrics by centuries.
The earliest known French text appears much later, and is believed to have been adapted from older oral traditions.
In Provence, the song became tied to Epiphany (January 6) celebrations, where the arrival of the Magi is reenacted in parades and pageants. The melody was often played by fifes and drums, giving it a martial, processional character.
The melody gained international fame when Georges Bizet used it in his L’Arlésienne Suite No. 2 (1879). Bizet’s orchestration transformed the folk tune into a dramatic, symphonic march — the version most listeners recognize today.
Over the centuries, “March of the Kings” has been a folk song sung in Provençal villages, a Christmas carol, a military‑style march, a classical orchestral piece, and a choral staple in European Christmas concerts. Its adaptability is part of its enduring charm.
Quick Facts!
✨It may have been inspired by a real king. Some French traditions link the march to King René of Anjou, though this is more legend than fact.
✨Bizet didn’t live to hear the famous version. His L’Arlésienne suites were published after his death, and only then did the melody become globally known.
✨It’s one of the few Christmas carols in a minor key — giving it a mysterious, regal, almost cinematic feel.
✨The English version is not a direct translation. The English lyrics are a poetic adaptation rather than a literal rendering of the French text.
✨It’s often used in films and TV to evoke medieval or royal imagery, even outside Christmas contexts.
I do hope you have enjoyed reading about this carol, as much as I have enjoyed presenting this to you.
Thank you for joining me on this festive journey! Wishing you and your loved ones, a season filled with light, laughter, love, and of course, MUSIC! 🌟🎄
If you have enjoyed this Post and Video, do Like, Share, and Subscribe.
Christmas cheer and good tidings to you!
Larissa
Comments