We hear that the tune for this carol was from W. Sandy’s Christmas Carols, published in 1833, and arranged by none other than John Stainer (who is well-known for his wonderful work “God So Loved the World”). The first Nowell the angel did say was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay; In …
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.
Larry and Carla’s First “Surprisingly Easy”™ Eight-Bell Hymn Collection
We’ve been having a great time sharing our eight-bell music with the world, and decided it was time to create 0ur first “Surprisingly Easy” collection of hymns! You can play this music with two four-in-hand ringers… or you could have four ringers with two bells each. Beginning ringers will have fun with these, and will …
Angels, from the Realms of Glory (REGENT SQUARE) – Eight handbells
Angels came from heaven to celebrate the birth of Christ. It’s amazing to compare how it must have been in God’s glorious presence with the humble stable of Bethlehem. Yet they came, and they marveled! Angels from the realms of glory / Wing your flight o’er all the earth; Ye who sang creation’s story / …
Mouret – Rondeau – Eight handbells
Jean-Joseph Mouret wrote this famous piece in the eighteenth century – you might know it as the theme music from “Masterpiece Theater” (uh… “Theatre”). Standard Version: ”Dual-Range”™ Score Package: $ US G5-based practice track: $ US F5-based practice track: $ US Purchasing this 8-bell arrangement gives you permission to print and maintain up to four …
When Irish Eyes are Smiling – Eight handbells
This tribute to Ireland was written by Americans. Chauncey Olcott and George Graff, Jr. wrote the lyrics, and Ernest Ball composed the music. In 1912, this was an expression of the then-romanticization of Ireland. Over a century later, this song is still popular. There’s a tear in your eye, And I’m wondering why, For it …
Fear A’ Bhàta / The Boatman – Eight handbells
In the late nineteenth century, Sìne NicFhionnlaigh (Jean Finlayson) of Tong was in love with a young fisherman from Uig, Dòmhnall MacRath, and she wrote Fear A’ Bhàta (the title translates “the boatman”) for him. It must have worked – they were married shortly after it was composed! Often I look from the highest hill …
Botany Bay – Eight handbells
Botany Bay by William Meyer Lutz recalls the British colony where Undesirables of the Crown were sent to “start a new life.” It was popular in London musicals in the latter part of the 19th century, though it may have been written before that time. Farewell to old England forever / Farewell to my rum …
To God Be the Glory (TO GOD BE THE GLORY) – Eight handbells
Fanny Crosby and William Doane were a “dynamic duo” of hymn-writing in the decades on either side of the year 1900. She wrote the words, and he composed the music. One of their best-known hymns is To God Be the Glory Personal note: This was the favorite hymn of Larry’s great-aunt Pat! To God be …
This is My Father’s World (TERRA BEATA) – Eight handbells
Many traditional and folk melodies have made their way into hymnody. This is My Father’s World (hymn tune: TERRA BEATA, “beautiful earth/world”), speaks of the gorgeous things that God has made in creating our universe. This is my Father’s world, and to my listening ears All nature sings, and round me rings the music of …
The Love of God (LOVE OF GOD) – Eight handbells
God’s love is beyond anything we can grasp or imagine… but He makes it tangible with a single word “love”, and proved it by sending Jesus Christ to manifest it to all of us. The Love of God contains this incredible poetry: The love of God is greater far / Than tongue or pen can …
