Eidam, Porter: Christmas on the Thames

Christmas on the Thames is a fantasy of English Christmas carols circling around the beloved melody I Saw Three Ships. It reflects the buzz of activity both on the streets of London and on board a schooner bound for port loaded with cargo and gifts. Decorations are put in the shop windows; the aroma of warm chestnuts and puddings fill the air; carolers sing; the mulled punch known as wassail is drunk. The piece culminates with the ship pulling up to the dock to the sounds of celebratory cheers and ringing church bells. Merry Christmas, guvnor!