Here’s the opening piece from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker! We were amazed that it could be put into eight-bell form, and have loved playing it! Standard Version: ”Dual-Range”™ Score Package: $ US G5-based practice track: $ US F5-based practice track: $ US This arrangement is also included in Larry and Carla’s Eight-Bell Nutcracker Collection. But wait! If …
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.
Tchaikovsky – The Nutcracker – Eight handbells
We thought it would be fun to see whether something from Tchaikowsky’s Nutcracker could be played with eight bells. Imagine our surprise when we found that eight pieces from his masterpiece worked!
O Come, O Come Emmanuel (VENI EMMANUEL) – Eight handbells
The Advent song O Come, O Come, Emmanuel as we know it today, is adapted from a fifteenth-century French melody, but may originate from as far back as possibly the 12th century. It first appeared in English as translated by John M. Neale in 1851. It’s a prayer by those who hoped that the Christ …
Jolly Old Saint Nicholas – Eight handbells
Ho, ho, ho! That’s what Santa Claus usually says. Historically, the original St. Nicholas was also known as “Nicholas the Wonderworker”, and he had a love of giving gifts, often in secret. We can imagine that he must have gone about with a big smile – because he knew where the gifts went, and could …
Comfort, Comfort Ye My People (WERDE MUNTER/PSALM 42) – Eight handbells
In 1671, Johannes Olearius set the opening passage of Isaiah 40 to a melody by Johann Schop, and it later was translated by Catherine Winkworth into English. We love this tune because of its varying meter because it keeps it alive and bouncy! Comfort, comfort, ye My people / Speak ye peace, thus saith our …
Carol of the Drum – Eight handbells
In 1941 Katherine Davis took a traditional Czech Christmas carol and set words to it. The story was derived from the title of the source material… and now everyone seems to know it by her title “The Little Drummer Boy”. “Come”, they told me – Pa rum pum pum pum A new born King to …
A la Media Noche – Eight handbells
Living in this world means getting to rub shoulders with people from many different cultures. We’ve learned that there’s a rich heritage that our Hispanic friends have to share with us. Here’s a carol from Puerto Rico, the title of which, A la media noche, translates to “at midnight”. A la media noche al rigor …
People Look East (BESANÇON) – Eight handbells
The anticipation of the Savior’s birth in Bethlehem and the joy it would bring is displayed in this Advent hymn. Our arrangement is lively and exciting, and we hope you’ll envision the celebration that occurred at the manger and in heaven as you play it! People, look east. The time is near / Of the …
The Water Is Wide (O WALY WALY) – Eight handbells
The Water is Wide (hymn tune: O WALY WALY) is an English tune dating back to at least the eighteenth century. In most places, however, it’s recognized by the title for the lyrics that Hal Hopson set to it in 1972, The Gift of Love. Hymn Tune: O WALY WALY Find metrically-matched hymn texts Standard …
Elgar – Land of Hope and Glory – Eight handbells
Also to known by the title Pomp and Circumstance, this famous Elgar processional provides the musical backdrop for many ceremonies and celebrations. Here’s our “surprisingly easy” eight-bell arrangement. Land of Hope and Glory, Mother of the Free, How shall we extol thee, who are born of thee? Wider still, and wider, shall thy bounds be …
