The Advent song O Come, O Come, Emmanuel as we know it today, is adapted from a fifteenth-century French melody, but may originate from as far back as possibly the 12th century. It first appeared in English as translated by John M. Neale in 1851. It’s a prayer by those who hoped that the Christ …
Category: Six-Bell
Aug 31
Simple Gifts – for six accompanied handbells
Shaker songs are fantastically good as six-bell music! “‘Tis a gift to be simple”, yes… but this arrangement is a lot of fun to play! ‘Tis a gift to be simple, ’tis the gift to be free ‘Tis a gift to come down where we ought to be, And when we find ourselves in the …
Simple Gifts – Six handbells and piano
Shaker songs are fantastically good as six-bell music! “‘Tis a gift to be simple”, yes… but this arrangement of Simple Gifts is a lot of fun to play! ‘Tis a gift to be simple, ’tis the gift to be free ‘Tis a gift to come down where we ought to be, And when we find …
Aug 24
Al die willen te kaap’ren varen – for six accompanied handbells
Clearly, there’s a tiny bit of (ancient) gender bias when you announce “all who want to be privateers, must be bearded men”. But eating rancid bread doesn’t sound like much fun. Perhaps it’s a somewhat silly song in today’s world, but it’s fun to play! Al die willen te kaap’ren varen Moeten mannen met baarden …
Al die willen te kaap’ren varen – Six handbells and piano
Clearly, there’s a tiny bit of (ancient) gender bias when you announce that all who want to be privateers (Al die willen te kaap’ren varen) must be bearded men. But eating rancid bread doesn’t sound like much fun. Perhaps it’s a somewhat silly song in today’s world, but it’s fun to play! Al die willen …
Aug 17
Nyanyikanlah (NYANYIKANLAH) – for six accompanied handbells
Our piano-accompanied six-handbell arrangement of the Indonesian melody NYANYKANLAH (translated as “Hallelujah!”) provides an opportunity to play as a two-bells-each trio. Another possibility is to play as a duet where one ringer plays four bells and the other (perhaps a younger/newer player!) plays two bells. The six bells in the score are accompanied by piano; …
Nyanyikanlah (NYANYIKANLAH) – Six handbells and piano
Our piano-accompanied six-handbell arrangement of the Indonesian melody NYANYIKANLAH (translated as “Hallelujah!”) provides an opportunity to play as a two-bells-each trio. Another possibility is to play as a duet where one ringer plays four bells and the other (perhaps a younger/newer player!) plays two bells. The six bells in the score are accompanied by piano; …
Aug 03
Kingsfold – for six handbells and piano
This venerable English tune, placed into the modern hymnody by Ralph Vaughan Williams in 1906, takes on a new introspective feel in our eight-bell arrangement. It also is known as Star of the County Down. Our piano-accompanied six-handbell arrangement of the hymn tune KINGSFOLD provides an opportunity to play as a two-bells-each trio. Another possibility …
Kingsfold – Six handbells and piano
The English tune KINGSFOLD has been matched with many hymn texts. Its solemn/meditative feel lends itself well to thoughts of great depth. One such text is O Sing A Song of Bethlehem; the metrical index search link below provides a way to identify other lyrics matched with the tune. O sing a song of Bethlehem, …
Rehearsal Tracks
REHEARSAL TRACKS FOR SIX BELLS Al Die Willen Te Kaap’ren Varen Away in a Manger (CRADLE SONG) Beach Spring Creator of the Stars of Night Go to Dark Gethsemane Good Christian Men, Rejoice Hail the Day that Sees Him Rise Holy Manna How Great Our Joy Hyfrydol In the Bleak Midwinter It Came Upon the …
