J.S. Bach wrote hundreds – thousands – of works during his amazingly productive lifetime. They were such works of groundbreaking genius (“Why shouldn’t harpsichordists use their thumbs?”) that the repertoire he created continues to be a large part of our modern musical life. Even if you can’t name a Bach work by title, you’ll probably …
Tag: 3-5 octaves
With the passage of time, handbell choirs have grown in size and acquire more and more octaves of bells. Sets of three to five octaves are pretty typical as of the 21st century. Four-octave sets, strangely, are relatively uncommon.
Note that some pieces in the Choraegus catalog are for three or five octaves.
The Heavens Declare Your Glory (FAITHFUL) (Handbells, 3-5 octaves, Level 3)
Our arrangement of The Heavens Declare Your Glory is generally appropriate for worship services. It also can be played at Easter as O Joyous Easter Morning. The heavens declare your glory, the firmament your power; day unto day the story repeats from hour to hour. Night unto night replying, proclaims in every land, O LORD, …
Apr 01
Kingsfold (KINGSFOLD) (Handbells, 3-5 octaves, Level 2)
The English tune KINGSFOLD has been matched with many hymn texts, such as O Sing A Song of Bethlehem, I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say, and I Sing the Mighty Power of God. There are others as well (and probably there are more that will be added to the list!), so as long as …
Mar 29
Vårvindar friska
The post title is “fresh spring winds” in Swedish. It’s a pretty folk song that has been matched with one or two hymn texts more recently. That means it will work well with a variety of opportunities! Our arrangement is Level 3+, and it’s tremendous fun to play! Purchasing the handbell choir version of this …
Vårvindar friska – Fresh Spring Winds (Handbells, 3-5 octaves, Level 3+)
VÅRVINDAR FRISKA (Fresh Spring Winds) is a pretty Swedish folk tune that more recently has been matched with a hymn text or two, such as “O Living Breath”. Here are the original lyrics for the folk song.
Beautiful Savior / Fairest Lord Jesus (ST. ELIZABETH) (Handbells, 3-5 octaves, Level 2+)
This song goes back more than a few years, dating to the Crusades. While we’re not into the militaristic part of that bit of history now, Jesus Christ is still just as wonderful and lovely as ever. Fairest Lord Jesus, ruler of all nature, O thou of God and man the Son, Thee will I …
Mar 25
Fairest Lord Jesus (Handbells, 3-5 octaves, plus handchimes, 2 octaves, Level 3-)
Jesus is the one who calls His people from their former sinful life to a life destined for heaven. In between those two, believers have the joy of showing what that salvation means to them. Fairest Lord Jesus is one of those hymns that speaks volumes of this. We’re pleased to publish our new handbell …
Mar 22
Day By Day (BLOTT EN DAG) – for handbells, 3-5 octaves, Level 3
God isn’t just interested in what happens in our lives; He pays attention to every moment of every day we live. That’s why we can rely on Him completely in all circumstances and situations. Here is our handbell choir arrangement of the hymn Day by Day. Day by day and with each passing moment, strength …
Day By Day (BLOTT EN DAG) (Handbells, 3 to 5 octaves, Level 3)
God isn’t just interested in what happens in our lives; He pays attention to every moment of every day we live. That’s why we can rely on Him completely in all circumstances and situations. Here is our arrangement of the hymn Day by Day. Day by day and with each passing moment, strength I find …
Mar 15
Celebration – for handbells, 3-5 octaves, Level 1
I directed a beginning handbell choir at Saint Francis High School in Mountain View, California in 2006-2007. Alas, we only had our loaner bells for a year (thank you, Area 12!), and then had to pass them on to another fortunate group. This piece, Celebration, was a great starter for new ringers. It’s active and …
