I Saw Three Ships is an English carol that dates back to the seventeenth or eighteenth century. Some people think that the “three ships” were the camels (aka “ships of the desert”) that the Magi rode on their way from the east to Bethlehem. Whether or not this is the reference made by the text, …
Category: Handbell Ensemble
I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day (WALTHAM) – eight handbells with piano
I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day is a pre-Civil War song that sets a poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow to the tune WALTHAM by John Baptiste Calkin. The theme is “peace on earth, good will to men”, and the words reflect on how hopelessness will give way to glory. The score for our piano-accompanied …
Jun 06
From Starry Skies Descending – for twelve handbells
The Italian carol Tu scendi dalle stelle is lovely, though perhaps less familiar to Americans than others. Our new twelve-bell arrangement will bring a new bit of joy to your holiday services and celebrations. Our new arrangement of this Christmas song for twelve handbells has versions in Bb major (C5-G5) and C major (D5-A6), so …
May 16
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (MENDELSSOHN) – Handbell duet with piano and optional flute
We bring you a fresh and unusual arrangement of this beloved Christmas song. The irregular meters will keep your ringers on their toes, and will give your congregation a different look at rejoicing during Christmas season! If played as a four-in-hand duet, a table will be needed. Also, it would be advantageous to add a …
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (MENDELSSOHN) – Accompanied handbell duet
We bring you a fresh and unusual arrangement of the beloved Christmas song Hark! The Herald Angels Sing. The irregular meters will keep your ringers on their toes, and will give your congregation a different look at rejoicing during Christmas season! If played as a four-in-hand duet, a table will be needed. Also, it would …
May 09
Twas in the Moon of Wintertime (HURON CAROL) (handbells, 3 or 5 octaves, plus handchimes, 3 octaves, Level 3)
This is the oldest known Canadian carol. Gitchi Manitou is Algonquian for “Great Spirit”, the Native American name for God, and the lyrics tell the Christmas story as it might have told been near the Great Lakes. Our new arrangement for three or five octaves of handbells (plus optional three-octave chimes) tells the story with …
Apr 11
Forever (Handbells, 5-8 octaves, Level 5) – new video!
Forever was commissioned in 2012 by Dee Allaway and her family in memory of her father Walter Dennis Oliver. It’s a grand tribute to a man who brought music to his family as well as others around him. At least five octaves of handbells are necessary to play Forever. You’ll find that there are abundant …
Apr 07
I Surrender All (SURRENDER) – for sixteen handbells
Judson Van DeVenter, the writer of this hymn, shared a heartfelt message that Christians have expressed time and time again for centuries. Our arrangement for sixteen handbells is available in C5-Ab6 and G4-Eb6 versions; the latter can be played using a two-octave set. All to Jesus I surrender, All to Him I freely give; I …
Apr 04
New video for A Celebration of Our Life – for Handbells, 5 octaves, and handchimes, 3 octaves, Level 4
A California couple commissioned A Celebration of Our Life for their 30th wedding anniversary, and had their church’s handbell choir premiere it when they renewed their vows. We’re pleased to share our new video of this piece, and hope that you’ll have something to celebrate when you play it! Purchasing the handbell choir version of …
Mar 28
Go to Dark Gethsemane (REDHEAD No. 76) – for six accompanied handbells
The hymn tune REDHEAD NO. 76 seems unusual; its background is that the composer, Richard Redhead, published a book of hymns in the nineteenth century. Learning this made it all clear for me! Our arrangement for six accompanied handbells is straightforward to play, and will contribute to your services during Holy Week. Go to dark …
