The 7th century Latin hymn Creator of the Stars of Night was translated into English by John M. Neale in 1852. It’s a thoughtful plainchant fitting a quiet, clear Christmas night. Creator of the stars of night, Thy people’s everlasting light, Jesu, Redeemer, save us all, And hear Thy servants when they call. Thou, grieving …
83 results for G major
De Zak van Sinterklaas (Santa’s Bag) – Eight handbells
The legend of Santa Claus appears in many countries. In Holland, he’s known as “Sinterklaas”. The translation of the title of this song is “Santa’s bag”. “De zak van Sinterklaas Sinterklaas, Sinterklaas de zak van Sinterklaas o jongens, jongens ‘t is zo’n baas. Daar stopt hij, daar stopt hij daar stopt hij blij van zin …
Happy Birthday
Here’s our eight-handbell version of the universal party favorite, Happy Birthday. After much history and (legal!) discussion between forces outside our control, the courts declared some years ago that the famous tune by the Hill sisters was indeed in the public domain. It’s our pleasure to provide this as a gift to you! Bells used: …
Jun 04
New music for handbell choirs!
I’ve embarked on a project to create new music for the more normal handbell choir (don’t worry, I’ll keep writing music for eight and twelve bells!). The big difference is that this new music will be AGEHR Level 2-3+ so that it’s withing the grasp of the vast majority of bell choirs. Most of it, …
Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee (ODE TO JOY) – Eight Handbells and Organ
Beethoven wrote nine symphonies. He was an amazing composer, creating wonderful music during his later years even though he had gone deaf. One of his best known symphonic melodies in the choral world is the “Ode to Joy” from his final symphony, the tune for the hymn Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee. Joyful, joyful, we …
Oct 27
Five (5 octaves of handbells)
Our fifth anniversary was approaching, so I wanted to give Carla something special. This original composition was the result, and the handbell choir at our church in Holland, Michigan premiered it as the prelude in the services on our anniversary weekend. It’s entitled Five, and can be a treasure hunt for you and your ringers …
Aug 27
Wedding Music!
Bells are for weddings! We’ve just released three classical pieces which are wonderful wedding ceremony repertoire: “Air” From Handel’s Water Music Suite in F Major Bourée from Handel’s Water Music Suite in D Major Mouret’s Rondeau, known to many as the music from “Masterpiece Theater” Of course, they also are well-suited to a church service …
Well-Tempered Clavier, Prelude No. 1 – Sixteen handbells
We’ve adapted the first (C major) prelude of Johann Sebastian Bach’s “Well-Tempered Clavier” to be played with just sixteen handbells. This is a great piece for learning teamwork, and for working on musicality. There are two versions available for the ranges C5-G6 and F5-C7. Sixteen Handbells, C5-G6 Score Package: $ US Practice track:: $ US …
Away in a Manger (AWAY IN A MANGER, James R. Murray) – Eight handbells
The melody in this arrangement of Away in a Manger by James Murray is the one most familiar to Americans. Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head, The stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay, The little Lord Jesus asleep on …
Jolly Old Saint Nicholas – Eight handbells
Ho, ho, ho! That’s what Santa Claus usually says. Historically, the original St. Nicholas was also known as “Nicholas the Wonderworker”, and he had a love of giving gifts, often in secret. We can imagine that he must have gone about with a big smile – because he knew where the gifts went, and could …
