Category: Handbells

Skye Boat Song – Twelve handbells

The soothing, plaintive Skye Boat Song is about Prince Charles’ escape to the Isle of Skye after his defeat in the Battle of Culloden in 1746. Imagine a defeated leader departing the battleground, seeking safety by crossing the water, and hoping to fight another day. In church services, this melody is matched with the hymn …

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Lift High the Cross (CRUCIFER) – eight handbells and piano

Lift High the Cross undoubtedly is most sung in churches at Easter (and maybe on through Pentecost), but the message of salvation through Christ rings true the whole year round. This arrangement, for eight handbells and piano, will be a welcome addition to your repertoire. Refrain: Lift high the cross, the love of Christ proclaim …

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Ah, Holy Jesus (HERZLIEBSTER JESU) – Eight handbells

Johann Crüger wrote the music for Ah, Holy Jesus, a Good Friday hymn that remembers the sacrifice Jesus offered for our salvation. The singer raises the question of whether Jesus had done anything to deserve crucifixion, and comes to the necessary conclusion that it was their own sin that led to the Savior’s willing sacrifice …

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Lift High the Cross (CRUCIFER) (eight handbells and piano)

Lift High the Cross undoubtedly is most frequently sung in churches at Easter (and maybe on through Pentecost), but the message of salvation through Christ rings true the whole year round. This arrangement will be a welcome addition to your repertoire. Refrain: Lift high the cross, the love of Christ proclaim till all the world …

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Holy, Holy, Holy – for sixteen handbells

Holy, Holy, Holy has been a window into the throne room of the transcendent Lord for many believers. The text reminds us that He is perfect and unapproachable because of our sinfulness, but it also tells us that God allows those who have put their eternal trust in His perfect gift of salvation to enter …

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Holy, Holy, Holy (NICAEA) – Sixteen handbells

Holy, Holy, Holy has been a window into the throne room of the transcendent Lord for many believers. The text reminds us that He is perfect and unapproachable because of our sinfulness, but it also tells us that God allows those who have put their eternal trust in His perfect gift of salvation to enter …

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When I Survey the Wondrous Cross (HAMBURG) – for six accompanied handbells

When I Survey the Wondrous Cross is, perhaps, one of the most profound hymns of all time. Its lyrics convey the message of salvation in Jesus Christ with an unmatched economy of words: When I survey the wondrous cross On which the Prince of Glory died, My richest gain I count but loss And pour …

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When I Survey the Wondrous Cross (HAMBURG) – Six handbells and piano

When I Survey the Wondrous Cross is, perhaps, one of the most profound hymns of all time. Its lyrics convey the message of salvation in Jesus Christ with an unmatched economy of words: “When I survey the wondrous cross on which the Prince of glory died, my richest gain I count but loss, and pour …

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Jingle Bells – for eight handbells plus piano

James Murray wrote Jingle Bells in 1857. We understand that it actually was a Thanksgiving song for a children’s play at his church… but history has made it into a Christmas song. That probably makes sense since December is snowier than November in most areas (well… if you’re far north enough). Dashing through the snow …

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Shall We Gather at the River? (eight handbells and piano)

Shall We Gather at the River, traditionally, is regarded as a baptism hymn, but it also reminds us of the wonder and glory of that day when we shall be in heaven with God. Shall we gather at the river, Where bright angel feet have trod; With its crystal tide forever Flowing by the throne …

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