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Klein vogelijn (Little bird) – Eight handbells

The Dutch folk song Klein vogelijn is about little bird singing in a tree, and reminds us that God is responsible for creating the wonderful music that we hear.

Klein vogelijn op groenen tak
wat zingt g’ een lustig lied!
Wij hebben in ons heele boek
zoo’n vroolijk wijsje niet.
O, zeg ons, zeg ons, aardig beest
wie toch uw meester is geweest,
o, zeg ons, zeg ons, aardig beest
wie toch uw meester is geweest.

Zoo zuiver zingt gij en zoo hoog
zoo keurig in de maat
en ‘t hart, dat popelt ons van vreugd
wanneer uw keeltje gaat.
O, zeg ons, zeg ons, aardig beest
wie toch uw meester is geweest,
o, zeg ons, zeg ons, aardig beest
wie toch uw meester is geweest.

Voorzeker ‘t is de goede God!
Die ‘t u heeft toebetrouwd
opdat gij aan der blinden oor
zijn goedheid melden zoudt.
O ja, we weten ‘t, aardig beest
dat God uw meester is geweest,
o ja, we weten ‘t, aardig beest
dat God uw meester is geweest.

Small tiny bird on your green branch
how cheerful is your song!
In all our songbook we don’t have
a song so glad and bright.
Oh, tell us, friendly animal
who was your teacher for this song?
Oh, tell us, friendly animal
who was your teacher for this song?

You sing so clear, so high, in tune
you keep the time so well.
Our hearts feel joy and happiness
when you begin to sing.
Oh, tell us, friendly animal
who was your teacher for this song?
Oh, tell us, friendly animal
who was your teacher for this song?

I know for sure that our dear God
did trust you with this song
so you could pass on to each ear
God’s goodness and grandeur.
Oh yes, we know, dear animal
God was the teacher of your song,
oh yes, we know, dear animal
God was the teacher of your song.


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

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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