KELVINGROVE is an old Scottish tune. Where it appears in hymnals, it usually is under the title “The Summons”. We know you’ll enjoy playing our handbell arrangement of this melody!
Historically, though, it’s a love song sung by a soldier to his love as he strolls with her one last time before he heads to battle. Here are the first and last verses of the folk song lyrics:
“Let us haste to Kelvin Grove, bonnie lassie, O
Thro’ its mazes let us rove, bonnie lassie, O
Where the roses in their pride
Deck the bonnie dingle side
Where the midnight fairies glide, bonnie lassie, O.
…
“When upon a foreign shore, bonnie lassie, O
Should I fall midst battle’s roar, bonnie lassie, O
Then, Helen, should’st thou hear
Of thy lover on his bier
To his memory shed a tear, bonnie lassie, O.”
Purchasing the handbell choir version of this arrangement grants permission to print and maintain up to fifteen copies for your handbell ensemble; purchasing the single copy version grants permission to print and maintain one copy. Purchase also gives permission for performance, broadcasting, live-streaming and video-sharing online. See our licensing agreement for full details, and please remember to mention the title and arranger of the piece on video-sharing sites, social media and any printed materials such as concert programs.
