Three Black Kings

Composition and Premiere

Ellington composed Three Black Kings—Les Trois Rois Noirs—in 1974; it was nearly complete at his death, and was finished by his son Mercer and orchestrated by longtime collaborator Luther Henderson for a tribute concert premiere at Artpark, Buffalo, New York, in 1976. First BSO and Tanglewood performance: July 13, 2024, Andris Nelsons conducting. 

Three Black Kings, Ellington’s last work, celebrates two Biblical kings and one then recently departed, Martin Luther King, Jr. By placing King alongside the Bible’s King Balthazar (the African king of the Three Magi) and King Solomon, Ellington makes clear the esteem he had for and historical importance he attributed to the slain Black civil rights leader. In the first movement, “King of the Magi,” the percussion-heavy sound-world and occasional breaks into sinuous melody evoke Balthazar’s origin, luxuriating in Ellington’s passion for assimilating elements of African and Eastern musical styles. “King Solomon” is dance-hall jazz, swinging and good-natured. In the finale, “Martin Luther King,” a slow, bittersweet opening gives way to a powerfully exuberant and hopeful Gospel song. 

Completed by Mercer Ellington, Three Black Kings was orchestrated by Luther Henderson and was premiered in Buffalo, NY, for a Duke Ellington tribute concert. Alvin Ailey created a ballet based on the work in 1976. 

ROBERT KIRZINGER 

Composer and writer Robert Kirzinger is the Boston Symphony Orchestra’s Director of Program Publications.