In 1917, Emmett Adams visited St. Mary’s Cathedral in Southampton, England, and was inspired to write The Bells of St. Mary’s. It was later used in a 1945 movie by the same name. The movie may not have done as well as hoped, but the song has been well-remembered! The bells of St. Mary’s / …
Category: International Music
Aura Lee – Eight handbells
Aura Lee is a Civil War love song. Elvis Presley made this tune famous as Love Me Tender, and that’s why it’s popular at weddings. As the blackbird in the spring / ‘neath the willow tree sat and piped I heard him sing / praising Aura Lee. Aura Lee! Aura Lee! Maid of golden hair …
Waltzing Matilda – Eight handbells
Australia is famous for its outback, where the hardly and adventurous sometimes go it alone, perhaps as a rite of passage. Interestingly, Waltzing Matilda isn’t about a girl – it’s about walking through the bush (“waltzing”) with your bag (Matilda) slung over your shoulder! Once a jolly swagman camped by a billabong, Under the shade …
Music for the Royal Fireworks – Eight handbells
G.F. Handel was commissioned to write a celebratory suite by King George II in 1749. This “surprisingly easy” arrangement of Music for the Royal Fireworks is just a small part of the greater work! “Surprisingly Easy”™ Version: ”Dual-Range”™ Score Package: $ US G5-based practice track: $ US F5-based practice track: $ US This arrangement is …
Morag’s Cradle Song – Eight handbells
Morag’s Cradle Song, is a gentle lullaby from Scotland. Here’s our “Surprisingly Easy”™ eight-bell arrangement. Would she were here, my little one Would she were here, my joy my treasure Would she were here, my little one Blue her eye, as skies in summer Sweet her smile as flower at blooming Soft her cheek, as …
Land of Hope and Glory – Eight handbells
Also to known by the title Pomp and Circumstance, this famous Elgar processional Land of Hope and Glory provides the musical backdrop for many ceremonies and celebrations. Here’s our “surprisingly easy” eight-bell arrangement. Land of Hope and Glory, Mother of the Free, How shall we extol thee, who are born of thee? Wider still, and …
Iona Boat Song – Eight handbells
Iona Boat Song was the funerary song of the kings of Scotland as they rowed to their final resting place by monks. Here’s our “surprisingly easy” eight-bell arrangement. Softly glide we along, Softly chant we our song, For a king who to resting is come; Oh, beloved and best, Thou art fairing out west, To …
Drink to Me Only with Thine Eyes – Eight handbells
Drink to Me Only with Thine Eyes, is a pretty English love song was paired, long ago, with Ben Jonson’s poem “To Celia”. Here’s our “surprisingly easy” eight-bell arrangement. Drink to me only with thine eyes And I will pledge with mine. Or leave a kiss within the cup And I’ll not ask for wine. …
By the Light of the Silvery Moon – Eight handbells
By the Light of the Silvery Moon, he classic song by Gus Edwards and Edward Madden from 1909 (yes, that far back!) comes to life in this happy, bouncy eight-bell arrangement. You’ll have loads of fun playing it! Place park, scene dark, silvery moon is shining through the trees; Cast two, me, you, sound of …
Danny Boy / Londonderry Air – Bass handbell solo
Here’s our bass handbell arrangement of the more-than-well-known Danny Boy (set to the Irish tune “Londonderry Air” by Frederic Weatherly in 1910). It’s a solid test of strength, stamina, and precision that involves many of the aspects of solo ringing. Larry performed it at the 2004 Area 12 conferences. Oh Danny boy, the pipes, the …
