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O du Fröhliche (SICILIAN MARINERS) – Eight handbells

O du Fröhliche apparently was written or otherwise acquired by a German composer who returned with score in hand after a trip to Italy (our Roman Catholic friends know it as O Sanctissima). The tune’s been matched with a number of different hymn texts, such as “Lord, Dismiss Us with Thy Blessing” (check your hymnal’s indices!). We love this one as a Christmas carol!

“O how joyfully,
O how blessedly,
Comes the glory of Christmastime!
To a world so lost in sin,
Christ the Savior, enters in:
Praise Him, Praise Him Christians, evermore!

“O how joyfully,
O how blessedly,
Comes the glory of Christmastime!
Jesus, born in lowly stall,
With His grace redeems us all:
Praise Him, Praise Him Christians, evermore!

“O how joyfully,
O how blessedly,
Comes the glory of Christmastime!
Hosts of angels from on high,
Sing, rejoicing, in the sky:
Praise Him, Praise Him Christians, evermore!”

Brian Wren

“O du fröhliche,
O du selige,
Gnadenbringende Weihnachtszeit.
Welt ging verloren,
Christ ward geboren,
Freue, freue dich, o Christenheit!

“O du fröhliche,
O du selige,
Gnadenbringende Weihnachtszeit.
Christ ist erschienen,
Uns zu versühnen,
Freue, freue dich, o Christenheit!

“O du fröhliche,
O du selige,
Gnadenbringende Weihnachtszeit.
Himmlische Heere
Jauchzen Dir Ehre,
Freue, freue dich, o Christenheit!”

Johann Daniel Falk, 1816

Church Calendar: Christmas

HYMN TUNE: SICILIAN MARINERS
Find metrically-matched hymn texts

“Surprisingly Easy”™ Version:
”Dual-Range”™ Score Package: $5.00 US
G5-based practice track: $2.00 US
F5-based practice track: $2.00 US


This arrangement is also included in Larry and Carla’s Fourth “Surprisingly Easy”™ Eight-Bell Christmas Collection.

Purchasing this 8-bell arrangement gives you permission to print and maintain up to four 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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