The English tune KINGSFOLD has been matched with many hymn texts. Its solemn/meditative feel lends itself well to thoughts of great depth. One such text is O Sing A Song of Bethlehem; the metrical index search link below provides a way to identify other lyrics matched with the tune. O sing a song of Bethlehem, …
Tag: 6-bell
Starting in 2012, we (Larry and Carla Sue) developed a large repertoire of music for eight handbells which we perform as four-in-hand duets. These pieces ranged from fairly simple to maniacally difficult, and eventually led to the creation of their "Surprisingly Easy"™ eight-bell arrangements so that there would be more options for the ringing world at large.
Larry had shoulder surgery in early 2020, and Carla suggested creating a new lie of music for six accompanied handbells. The "accompaniment" part came about, of course, because six bells result in sacrificing at least one scale tone to satisfy the numeric constraint. Surprisingly, six-bell pieces have turned out to be a rich field for exploration.
As eight-bell repertoire works well with a two-in-hand quartet (two bells each) or a four-in-hand duo, six-bell repertoire works nicely with a two-in-hand trio or a "four-in-hand sesquisoloist" (one-and-a-half four-in-hand players).
Rehearsal Tracks
REHEARSAL TRACKS FOR SIX BELLS Al Die Willen Te Kaap’ren Varen Away in a Manger (CRADLE SONG) Beach Spring Creator of the Stars of Night Go to Dark Gethsemane Good Christian Men, Rejoice Hail the Day that Sees Him Rise Holy Manna How Great Our Joy Hyfrydol In the Bleak Midwinter It Came Upon the …
Jul 27
Hyfrydol – for six handbells and piano
This popular Welsh tune was composed by Rowland Prichard and has been matched to many hymn texts. Our piano-accompanied six-handbell arrangement of the hymn tune HYFRYDOL provides an opportunity to play as a two-bells-each trio. Another possibility is to play as a duet where one ringer plays four bells and the other (perhaps a younger/newer …
Hyfrydol – Six handbells and piano
The popular Welsh tune Hyfrydol was composed by Rowland Prichard and has been matched to many hymn texts. It’s almost certain that you’ll find it as the melody in more than one place in your hymnal! Our piano-accompanied six-handbell arrangement of the hymn tune HYFRYDOL provides an opportunity to play as a two-bells-each trio. Another …
Jul 20
Silent Night – for six handbells, accompanied
Franz Gruber’s lovely carol has enchanted people for two centuries. In case you happen to visit Oberdorf von Salzburg, Austria, you can see the original Silent Night Chapel there. Or… if you’re in the Great Lakes region, you can see the Silent Night Chapel modeled after it in Frankenmuth, Michigan! Silent night! Holy night! / …
Silent Night (STILLE NACHT) – Six handbells and piano
Franz Gruber’s lovely carol has enchanted people for two centuries. In case you happen to visit Oberdorf von Salzburg, Austria, you can see the original Silent Night Chapel there. Or… if you’re in the Great Lakes region, you can see the Silent Night Chapel modeled after it in Frankenmuth, Michigan! Silent night! Holy night! / …
Jul 13
Creator of the Stars of Night (CONDITOR ALME SIDERUM) – for six accompanied handbells
This 7th century Latin hymn was translated into English by John M. Neale in 1852. Creator of the stars of night, Thy people’s everlasting light, Jesu, Redeemer, save us all, And hear Thy servants when they call. Our piano-accompanied six-handbell arrangement of the 7th-century Latin hymn Creator of the Stars of Night provides an opportunity …
Creator of the Stars of Night (CONDITOR ALME SIDERUM) – Six handbells and piano
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 …
Beach Spring – Six handbells and piano
The Sacred Harp from the nineteenth century has been a popular source of music for American hymnody. Many hymn texts have been set to the tune BEACH SPRING: Come, All Christians, Be Committed As a Fire is Meant for Burning God of Day and God of Darkness Come and Find the Quiet Center God, Whose …
Jun 29
O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus (EBENEZER)
The name Ebenezer means “stone of help.” Jesus is the Rock of Ages, and our Eternal Rescuer; He is the One to whom we must turn for salvation. O the deep, deep love of Jesus! Vast, unmeasured, boundless, free, rolling as a mighty ocean in its fullness over me. Underneath me, all around me, is …
