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Twas in the Moon of Wintertime (HURON CAROL) – Eight handbells

This is the oldest known Canadian carol. Gitchi Manitou is Algonquian for “Great Spirit”, the Native American name for God, and the lyrics tell the Christmas story as it might have told been near the Great Lakes.

‘Twas in the moon of wintertime when all the birds had fled
That mighty Gitchi Manitou sent angel choirs instead;
Before their light the stars grew dim and wondering hunters heard the hymn,
Jesus your King is born, Jesus is born, in excelsis gloria.

Within a lodge of broken bark the tender babe was found;
A ragged robe of rabbit skin enwrapped his beauty round
But as the hunter braves drew nigh the angel song rang loud and high
Jesus your King is born, Jesus is born, in excelsis gloria.

The earliest moon of wintertime is not so round and fair
As was the ring of glory on the helpless infant there.
The chiefs from far before him knelt with gifts of fox and beaver pelt.
Jesus your King is born, Jesus is born, in excelsis gloria.

O children of the forest free, O seed of Manitou
The holy Child of earth and heaven is born today for you.
Come kneel before the radiant boy who brings you beauty peace and joy.
Jesus your King is born, Jesus is born, in excelsis gloria.

Church Calendar: Advent, Christmas

Hymn Tune: HURON CAROL
Find metrically-matched hymn texts

Standard Version:
”Dual-Range”™ Score Package: $7.00 US
G5-based practice track: $2.00 US
F5-based practice track: $2.00 US

“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 First “Surprisingly Easy”™ Eight-Bell Christmas Collection.

Also available for handbells (3/5 octaves, Level 3).

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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4 comments

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    • Blanche Marie Lewis on November 17, 2015 at 9:14 pm

    I’m trying to get the standard version of Twas in the Moon of Wintertime, but when I try to check out, it takes me to Paypal, which won’t accept it because of the $0.00 amount. 🙁
    I enjoy your arrangements and would love to add this to my collection!
    Thanks!
    Blanche Marie

    • admin on November 17, 2015 at 9:41 pm
      Author

    Hi Blanche Marie!

    We made a mistake on the page that we’ve now fixed. Try it again, and you should be able to download your free music!

  1. I’m working with a handbell student who will love this! Thank you!

    • admin on November 21, 2015 at 11:30 pm
      Author

    Hooray, Nancy! Have fun, and if you have a moment let us know how it goes!

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