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, …
Tag: 8-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.
As eight-bell repertoire works well with a two-in-hand quartet (two bells each) or a four-in-hand duo, or with a trio where the bells are divided 4-2-2 or 3-3-2. We've even seen one instance of playing eight-bell music with eight ringers with one bell apiece, a la Sacred Harp.
Cold December Flies Away (LO DESEMBRE CONGELAT) – Eight handbells
This Catalonian carol is called Cold December Flies Away in English. El desembre congelat / Confús es retira. Abril, de flors coronat, / Tot el món admira, Quan en un jardí d’amor / Neix una divina flor D’una ro, ro, ro, / D’una sa, sa, sa, D’una ro, / D’una sa, D’una rosa bella, / …
Morning Song (MORNING SONG) – Eight handbells
One hymn text paired with the tune MORNING SONG is The King shall come when morning dawns. The King shall come when morning dawns and light triumphant breaks, when beauty gilds the eastern hills, and life to joy awakes. Not as of old a little child to bear, and fight, and die, but crowned with …
Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee (ODE TO JOY) – Eight Handbells and Organ
Beethoven wrote nine symphonies. He was an amazing composer, creating wonderful music during his later years even though he had gone deaf. One of his best known symphonic melodies in the choral world is the “Ode to Joy” from his final symphony, the tune for the hymn Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee. Joyful, joyful, we …
In the Bleak Midwinter – Eight Handbells and Organ
The poem often comes first… Christina Rosetti wrote the words for Scribner’s Monthly in 1872, and then a few years later (1906, to be precise), Gustav Holst set her verse to music. The result: In the Bleak Midwinter, one of the most reflective and well-loved of all Christmas songs. We have not only the eight-bell …
Come, Christians, Join to Sing – Eight Handbells and Organ/Piano
Come, Christians, Join to Sing reminds us of our responsibilities before God to sing – well, ring – before Him! We think this arrangement will also make you dance! Come, Christians, join to sing / Alleluia! Amen! Loud praise to Christ our King / Alleluia! Amen! Let all, with heart and voice / Before His …
How to Purchase Music from Choraegus
It’s simple! Find each piece of music that you want to buy, and press the “Add to Cart” button to put it into your (electronic) shopping cart. Check the quantity of each piece you’re ordering to be sure you’re getting the correct number for your needs. For details, please see our Licensing Agreement. When you’ve …
From Starry Skies Descending – Eight handbells
The Italian carol Tu scendi dalle stelle is lovely, though perhaps less familiar to Americans than others. This arrangement will bring new joy to your holiday services and celebrations. Tu scendi dalle stelle, O Re del Cielo, e vieni in una grotta, al freddo al gelo. O Bambino mio Divino Io ti vedo qui a …
Up on the Housetop – Eight handbells
Benjamin Hanby wrote this famous Christmas song in 1864. It’s excited children every Christmas Eve since then! Up on the housetop reindeer pause, Out jumps Good Old Santa Claus Down through the chimney with lots of toys All for the little ones Christmas joys. Ho, ho ho! Who wouldn’t go? Ho, ho ho! Who wouldn’t …
While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night (WINCHESTER) – Eight handbells
The WINCHESTER tune sung with While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night comes from Est’s Whole Book of Psalmes from 1592. While shepherds watched their flocks by night, all seated on the ground, The angel of the Lord came down, and glory shone around. “Fear not! said he, for mighty dread had seized their troubled …
