Apr 04

New video for A Celebration of Our Life – for Handbells, 5 octaves, and handchimes, 3 octaves, Level 4

A California couple commissioned A Celebration of Our Life for their 30th wedding anniversary, and had their church’s handbell choir premiere it when they renewed their vows.

We’re pleased to share our new video of this piece, and hope that you’ll have something to celebrate when you play it!

Purchasing the handbell choir version of this arrangement grants permission to print and maintain up to fifteen copies for your handbell ensemble; purchasing the single copy version grants permission to print and maintain one copy. Purchase also gives permission for performance, broadcasting, live-streaming and video-sharing online. See our licensing agreement for full details, and please remember to mention the title and arranger of the piece on video-sharing sites, social media and any printed materials such as concert programs.

Mar 28

Go to Dark Gethsemane (REDHEAD No. 76) – for six accompanied handbells

The hymn tune REDHEAD NO. 76 seems unusual; its background is that the composer, Richard Redhead, published a book of hymns in the nineteenth century. Learning this made it all clear for me!

Our arrangement for six accompanied handbells is straightforward to play, and will contribute to your services during Holy Week.

Go to dark Gethsemane, / You who feel the tempter’s pow’r;
Your Redeemer’s conflict see; / Watch with Him one bitter hour;
Turn not from His griefs away; / Learn of Jesus Christ to pray.

Follow to the judgment hall; / View the Lord of life arraigned;
O the worm-wood and the gall! / O the pangs His soul sustained!
Shun not suff’ring, shame, or loss; / Learn of Him to bear the cross.

Calv’ry’s mournful mountain climb / There’ adoring at His feet,
Mark the miracle of time, / God’s own sacrifice complete:
“It is finished!” Hear the cry; / Learn of Jesus Christ to die.

Early hasten to the tomb / Where they laid his breathless clay;
All is solitude and gloom; / Who hath taken Him away?
Christ is ris’n! He meets our eyes: / Savior, teach us so to rise.

Bells used: Bb5, C6, D6, Eb6, F6, G6
Key: Bb major

Church Calendar: Holy Week, Good Friday, Easter

Hymn Tune: REDHEAD NO. 76
Find metrically-matched hymn texts

Six Handbells with Piano Accompaniment:
Score Package: $10.00 US
Piano Accompaniment MP3: $4.00 US

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Other arrangements available for eight handbells.

Purchasing this 6-bell arrangement gives you permission to print and maintain up to three copies for your handbell group (plus the accompaniment/instrumental score(s), if part of the purchase) – so you only need to pay once. Purchase also gives permission for performance, broadcasting, live-streaming and video-sharing online. See our licensing agreement for full details, and please remember to mention the title and arranger of the piece on video-sharing sites, social media and any printed materials such as concert programs.

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Church music

Mar 24

Let Us Break Bread Together (BREAK BREAD TOGETHER) (Handbells, 2 to 3 octaves, Level 2)

The spiritual Let Us Break Bread Together has simple, yet profound words. It’s a communion song that puts absolute and everlasting reliance on the mercy and grace of God. Our setting for two to three octaves of handbells will bring a peaceful touch to your service or music presentation.

Let us break bread together on our knees.
Let us break bread together on our knees.
When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun,
O Lord, have mercy on me.

Let us drink wine together on our knees.
Let us drink wine together on our knees.
When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun,
O Lord, have mercy on me.

Let us praise God together on our knees.
Let us praise God together on our knees.
When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun,
O Lord, have mercy on me.

For 2-3 octaves of handbells
Level 2

Preview:

Single Copy Version: $4.00 US
Handbell Choir Version: $20.00 US

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Purchasing the handbell choir version of this arrangement grants permission to print and maintain up to fifteen copies for your handbell ensemble; purchasing the single copy version grants permission to print and maintain one copy. Purchase also gives permission for performance, broadcasting, live-streaming and video-sharing online. See our licensing agreement for full details, and please remember to mention the title and arranger of the piece on video-sharing sites, social media and any printed materials such as concert programs.

Mar 21

The Strife is O’er (VICTORY) – for six handbells and piano

The hymn tune VICTORY by Palestrina dates back to the seventeenth century. About a century later, Francis Pott translated the Latin text from the Symphonia Sirenum to English, giving us the hymn The Strife is O’er, the Battle Done. Now Choraegus has a new arrangement for six accompanied handbells!

The strife is o’er, the battle done; the victory of life is won;
The song of triumph has begun. Alleluia!

The powers of death have done their worst, but Christ their legions has dispersed.
Let shouts of holy joy outburst. Alleluia!

The three sad days are quickly sped; He rises glorious from the dead.
All glory to our risen Head. Alleluia!

He closed the yawning gates of hell; the bars from heaven’s high portals fell.
Let hymns of praise His triumph tell. Alleluia!

Lord, by the stripes which wounded Thee, from death’s dread sting Thy servants free,
That we may live and sing to Thee. Alleluia!

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Our piano-accompanied six-handbell arrangement of Angels We Have Heard On High (hymn tune: GLORIA) 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; if you don’t happen to have an accompanist available, we also have an accompaniment MP3 available for purchase.

Purchasing this 6-bell arrangement gives you permission to print and maintain up to three copies for your handbell group (plus the accompaniment score) – so you only need to pay once. Purchase also gives permission for performance, broadcasting, live-streaming and video-sharing online. See our licensing agreement for full details, and please remember to mention the title and arranger of the piece on video-sharing sites, social media and any printed materials such as concert programs.

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Mar 14

My Shepherd Will Supply My Need (RESIGNATION) – for twelve handbells

Jesus is the Good Shepherd. He seeks us when we stray, and guides us when we stay by His side. And one day, He will take us to be in His presence forever. Our twelve-bell arrangement will give your congregation an opportunity to reflect on these wonderful truths!

My Shepherd will supply my need, Jehovah is His name,
In pastures fresh He makes me feed beside the living stream;
He brings my wandering spirit back when I forsake His way,
And leads me for His mercy’s sake in paths of truth and grace.

When I walk through the shades of death His presence is my stay,
One word of His supporting grace drives all my fears away;
His hand in sight of all my foes doth still my table spread,
My cup with blessings overflows, His oil anoints my head.

The sure provisions of my God attend me all my days;
Oh, may Thy house be my abode and all my work be praise;
There would I find a settled rest, while others go and come;
No more a stranger nor a guest, but like a child at home.

Purchasing this 12-bell arrangement gives you permission to print and maintain up to six copies for your handbell group (plus the accompaniment score, if part of the purchase) – so you only need to pay once. Purchase also gives permission for performance, broadcasting, live-streaming and video-sharing online. See our licensing agreement for full details, and please remember to mention the title and arranger of the piece on video-sharing sites, social media and any printed materials such as concert programs.

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Mar 10

I Sing the Mighty Power of God (ELLACOMBE) (Handbells, 3 to 5 octaves, Level 3+)

The Bible says that it is the Person and power of the Lord Jesus Christ that holds the universe from falling apart. That’s true not only in physics, but also in our own lives as well. Our new arrangement of I Sing the Mighty Power of God has some delightful counterpoint that will challenge your ringers and enchant your congregation!

The hymn tune ELLACOMBE is also used for Hosanna, Loud Hosanna, so this arrangement will also work nicely on Palm Sunday.

I sing the mighty pow’r of God, that made the mountains rise,
That spread the flowing seas abroad, and built the lofty skies.
I sing the wisdom that ordained the sun to rule the day;
The moon shines full at His command, and all the stars obey.

I sing the goodness of the Lord, who filled the earth with food,
Who formed the creatures through the Word, and then pronounced them good.
Lord, how Thy wonders are displayed, where’er I turn my eye,
If I survey the ground I tread, or gaze upon the sky.

There’s not a plant or flow’r below, but makes Thy glories known,
And clouds arise, and tempests blow, by order from Thy throne;
While all that borrows life from Thee is ever in Thy care;
And everywhere that we can be, Thou, God, art present there.

Purchasing the handbell choir version of this arrangement grants permission to print and maintain up to fifteen copies for your handbell ensemble; purchasing the single copy version grants permission to print and maintain one copy. Purchase also gives permission for performance, broadcasting, live-streaming and video-sharing online. See our licensing agreement for full details, and please remember to mention the title and arranger of the piece on video-sharing sites, social media and any printed materials such as concert programs.

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Mar 07

Snow (Handbells, 3 octaves, Level 1+)

I love living in Michigan. The rotation of the seasons give me something to love every month, and something fresh to do every three months. Okay… mowing in the spring and summer, raking in the autumn, and shoveling in the winter. But it’s exercise, and I’m in better shape for it!

In the handbell world, Level 1+ pieces are a bit difficult to find at times. That’s because the required accessibility constrains the amount of complexity that can be written into the score. However, they also are the staple of beginning handbell players, because they introduce them to our instrument and start them on the road to more complicated music.

Here’s a new Level 1+ piece that I hope you’ll enjoy. It’s about the snow that comes each year, and how it flutters from the sky.

Purchasing the handbell choir version of this arrangement grants permission to print and maintain up to fifteen copies for your handbell ensemble; purchasing the single copy version grants permission to print and maintain one copy. Purchase also gives permission for performance, broadcasting, live-streaming and video-sharing online. See our licensing agreement for full details, and please remember to mention the title and arranger of the piece on video-sharing sites, social media and any printed materials such as concert programs.

Mar 03

While on the Sea (UKRAINE) – eight handbells and piano

We go through our life as if navigating a great ocean in a small boat. The waves are large, and threaten us continually. The water is unfathomably deep, and we fear what might happen if we were dumped into it. And so we pray to God for protection and safety, for He is our hope.

This Ukrainian folk hymn was translated to English by the missionary Stephen Bilak. We’re pleased to present our arrangement for eight accompanied handbells.

English

While on the sea hear the terrible roaring;
See how the boat of my life rolls with me;
In fear of death and in deepest of anguish.
Lord, hear my prayer; watch my soul on the sea.

Save me, O merciful Father, forgive me;
How as my life with its ending I see.
My youthful strength has been spent in the battle.
Lord, now I beg You, have mercy on me.

I have no strength left to aid on my journey;
Help me to reach that fair land past the sea;
Help me to travel to my native country.
Lord now I beg You, have mercy on me.

(This translation ©1974 ACU Press)

 Russian:

Страшно бушует житейское море,
Сильные волны качают ладью.hymn
 :,: В ужасе смертном, в отчаянном горе:
«Боже, мой Боже!» – к Тебе вопию. :,:

Сжалься над мною, спаси и помилуй!
С первых дней жизни я страшно борюсь.
 :,: Больше бороться уж мне не под силу: «Боже, мой Боже!» – Тебе я молюсь. :,:

К пристани тихой Твоих повелений
Путь мой направь и меня успокой.
 :,: И из пучины житейских волнений
К берегу выведи, Боже благой!

The eight bells in the score are accompanied by piano; if you don’t happen to have an accompanist available, we also have an accompaniment MP3 available for purchase.

Purchasing this 8-bell arrangement gives you permission to print and maintain up to four copies for your handbell group (plus the accompaniment/instrumental score(s), if part of the purchase) – so you only need to pay once. Purchase also gives permission for performance, broadcasting, live-streaming and video-sharing online. See our licensing agreement for full details, and please remember to mention the title and arranger of the piece on video-sharing sites, social media and any printed materials such as concert programs.

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Feb 28

All Glory, Laud and Honor – eight handbells and piano

One of the great Palm Sunday hymns is All Glory, Laud, and Honor. The text was written by St. Theodulph in the seventh century (!), and Melchior Teschner composed the tune we know about a millennium later. You’ll enjoy playing our accompanied eight-bell arrangement!

All glory, laud, and honor to You, Redeemer, King,
To whom the lips of children made sweet hosannas ring.
You are the King of Israel and David’s royal Son,
Now in the Lord’s name coming, the King and Blessed One.

The company of angels is praising You on high;
And we with all creation in chorus make reply.
The people of the Hebrews with palms before You went;
Our praise and prayer and anthems before You we present.

To you before your passion they sang their hymns of praise;
To You, now high exalted, our melody we raise.
As You received their praises, accept the prayers we bring,
For You delight in goodness, O good and gracious King!

The eight bells in the score are accompanied by piano; if you don’t happen to have an accompanist available, we also have an accompaniment MP3 available for purchase.

Purchasing this 8-bell arrangement gives you permission to print and maintain up to four copies for your handbell group (plus the accompaniment/instrumental score(s), if part of the purchase) – so you only need to pay once. Purchase also gives permission for performance, broadcasting, live-streaming and video-sharing online. See our licensing agreement for full details, and please remember to mention the title and arranger of the piece on video-sharing sites, social media and any printed materials such as concert programs.

Find Larry and Carla on Facebook!

Feb 24

Blest Be the Tie that Binds (DENNIS) – for sixteen handbells

The greatest blessing of Christian faith is our everlasting tie to God. With that comes an equally long-lived bond with other believers. The nineteenth-century hymn Blest Be the Tie that Binds speaks of this earthly bond which one day will be perpetuated in heaven.

Our arrangement for sixteen handbells is relatively easy, and will work well in your service.

Blest be the tie that binds / Our hearts in Christian love;
The fellowship our spirit finds / Is like to that above.

Before our Father’s throne, / We pour our ardent prayers;
Our fears, our hopes, our aims are one / Our comforts and our cares.

We share our mutual woes; / Our mutual burdens bear;
And often for each other flows / The sympathizing tear.

When we asunder part, / It gives us inward pain;
But we shall still be joined in heart, And hope to meet again.

From sorrow, toil, and pain, / And sin we shall be free;
And perfect love and oneness reign / Through all eternity.

Purchasing this 16-bell arrangement gives you permission to print and maintain up to eight copies for your handbell group – so you only need to pay once. Purchase also gives permission for performance, broadcasting, live-streaming and video-sharing online. See our licensing agreement for full details, and please remember to mention the title and arranger of the piece on video-sharing sites, social media and any printed materials such as concert programs.