We Three Kings: delight or dirge?

I know that some parish musicians would be pleased if We Three Kings were never sung again. I'm of a different mind but I would observe that, unfortunately, We Three Kings is often played and sung with all the joy of a mourner's dirge,* doing little to gather worshipers in the spirit of Epiphany.

Give a listen to this excellent performance by the Godwin High School Madrigals, under the direction of Sherri Matthews, and their stunning rendition of We Three Kings, arranged by Darmon Meader. (H/T to Paul who blogs Between the 'Burgh and the City.)

Very fine work for a group of high schoolers!



No assembly of worshipers, of course, could be expected to carry off this particular arrangement but listening to it might prompt some music ministers to play this annual hymn with the tempo and spirit it deserves.

*Even though the fourth verse sings of "bitter perfume... gathering gloom... sorrowing, sighing, bleeding dying..." there's no reason to seal the whole song in that "stone-cold tomb!"