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 …
Category: Handbells
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 …
Nov 27
Throwback Thursday
No… this isn’t a reference to how Thanksgiving used to be. Rather, it’s about music! Until recently, all we had for our piece A Snail’s Pace was a simple Finale playback MP3. The notes were there, but the piano patch just didn’t show how it would sound with real-life handbells. But… at the Bay View …
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 …
When Irish Eyes are Smiling – Eight handbells
This tribute to Ireland was written by Americans. Chauncey Olcott and George Graff, Jr. wrote the lyrics, and Ernest Ball composed the music. In 1912, this was an expression of the then-romanticization of Ireland. Over a century later, this song is still popular. There’s a tear in your eye, And I’m wondering why, For it …
Fear A’ Bhàta / The Boatman – Eight handbells
In the late nineteenth century, Sìne NicFhionnlaigh (Jean Finlayson) of Tong was in love with a young fisherman from Uig, Dòmhnall MacRath, and she wrote Fear A’ Bhàta (the title translates “the boatman”) for him. It must have worked – they were married shortly after it was composed! Often I look from the highest hill …
Botany Bay – Eight handbells
Botany Bay by William Meyer Lutz recalls the British colony where Undesirables of the Crown were sent to “start a new life.” It was popular in London musicals in the latter part of the 19th century, though it may have been written before that time. Farewell to old England forever / Farewell to my rum …
To God Be the Glory (TO GOD BE THE GLORY) – Eight handbells
Fanny Crosby and William Doane were a “dynamic duo” of hymn-writing in the decades on either side of the year 1900. She wrote the words, and he composed the music. One of their best-known hymns is To God Be the Glory Personal note: This was the favorite hymn of Larry’s great-aunt Pat! To God be …
