It’s always interesting to find that the lyrics for Christmas carols and hymns are sung to different melodies on each side of the ocean. This one, by Handel, is the version of While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks By Night that’s sung in the USA. While shepherds watched their flocks by night, all seated on the …
Category: Handbell Ensemble
Joy to the World (ANTIOCH) – Eight handbells
Handel wrote the music for this Christmas carol. The first eight notes form a descending scale, which turns out to be the change ring pattern “Rounds” upside down. So… our eight-bell arrangement contains a bit of English bell ringing tradition in that some of the best-known change ring patterns are included in the score. Joy …
The First Nowell (THE FIRST NOWELL) – Eight handbells
We hear that the tune for this carol was from W. Sandy’s Christmas Carols, published in 1833, and arranged by none other than John Stainer (who is well-known for his wonderful work “God So Loved the World”). The first Nowell the angel did say was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay; In …
Larry and Carla’s First “Surprisingly Easy”™ Eight-Bell Hymn Collection
We’ve been having a great time sharing our eight-bell music with the world, and decided it was time to create 0ur first “Surprisingly Easy” collection of hymns! You can play this music with two four-in-hand ringers… or you could have four ringers with two bells each. Beginning ringers will have fun with these, and will …
Angels, from the Realms of Glory (REGENT SQUARE) – Eight handbells
Angels came from heaven to celebrate the birth of Christ. It’s amazing to compare how it must have been in God’s glorious presence with the humble stable of Bethlehem. Yet they came, and they marveled! Angels from the realms of glory / Wing your flight o’er all the earth; Ye who sang creation’s story / …
Mouret – Rondeau – Eight handbells
Jean-Joseph Mouret wrote this famous piece in the eighteenth century – you might know it as the theme music from “Masterpiece Theater” (uh… “Theatre”). Standard Version: ”Dual-Range”™ Score Package: $ US G5-based practice track: $ US F5-based practice track: $ US Purchasing this 8-bell arrangement gives you permission to print and maintain up to four …
Hyfrydol (HYFRYDOL) – Eight handbells
The popular Welsh tune Hyfrydol was composed by Rowland Prichard and has been matched to many hymn texts. It’s almost certain that you’ll find it as the melody in more than one place in your hymnal! Hymn Tune: HYFRYDOL Find metrically-matched hymn texts “Surprisingly Easy”™ Version: ”Dual-Range”™ Score Package: $ US G5-based practice track: $ …
Hosanna to the Living Lord (HOSANNA) – Eight handbells
Hosanna to the Living Lord is a nineteenth-century hymn that’s often sung on Palm Sunday. Interestingly, the text also covers Advent and the coming Kingdom as well, pointing out that the meaning of “hosanna” – “Lord, save us!” – is for us to contemplate and appreciate all year round, Hosanna to the coming Lord! Hosanna …
He Keeps Me Singing (SWEETEST NAME) – Eight handbells
He Keeps Me Singing is a lively nineteenth-century hymn that expresses the overwhelming joy that can fill our lives when Jesus is in our spiritual vision. There’s within my heart a melody; Jesus whispers sweet and low, “Fear not, I am with you, peace, be still,” in all of life’s ebb and flow. Jesus, Jesus, …
Hail to the Lord’s Anointed (ES FLOG EIN KLEINS WALDVÖGELEIN) – Eight handbells
“Anointing”, as you may know, is an action that blesses or consecrates someone (or even something) to a special purpose. Jesus Christ, the Lord’s Anointed, is so in every possible way – another hymn declares Him to be “Prophet, and Priest, and King”. No one else has ever been worthy of holding all three of …
