Here’s a J.S. Bach piece that’s been a wedding favorite for centuries! Standard Version: ”Dual-Range”™ Score Package: $ US G5-based practice track: $ US F5-based practice track: $ US Standard Version: $ US Purchasing this 8-bell arrangement gives you permission to print and maintain up to four copies for your handbell group (plus the accompaniment …
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.
In the Bleak Midwinter (CRANHAM) – Eight handbells
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 …
Larry and Carla’s Second “Surprisingly Easy”™ Christmas Collection
Welcome to our second “surprisingly easy” Christmas eight-bell collection! This set of arrangements complements our first Christmas collection – so if you have our first collection, you could combine the pieces from both to make a complete concert program! You can play this music with two four-in-hand ringers… or you could have four ringers with …
It Is Well With My Soul (VILLE DU HAVRE) – Eight handbells
The story behind this hymn by Horatio Spafford and Philip Bliss – look it up – testifies of the incredible peace God gives through our faith in Him, and how He continues to give that comfort to believers today. It’s amazing how one man’s experience and faith can touch the hearts and lives of so …
Ma Navu (How Lovely on the Mountains) – Eight handbells
Ma Navu is the first Jewish song that we played as an eight-bell duet. Its lyrics come from Isaiah 52:7, and the melody is meditative and positively lovely! How pleasant on the mountains are the feet of the messenger of good tidings. How pleasant on the mountains are the feet of the messenger of good …
Eight-Bell International Music
We admit it… our “international music” category is a parking place for the eight-bell arrangements that weren’t hymns, or Christmas carols, or dances, or… But still, it’s a fascinating hodgepodge of music from around the world. Some of these, such as Auld Lang Syne and Happy Birthday, even made it to our list of freebies, …
Bach – Sheep May Safely Graze – Eight handbells
Sheep May Safely Graze is a peaceful (yes, “pastoral”) Bach piece that speaks of quietude and assurance. It’s been in church services and weddings for quite a long time. 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 …
Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen – Eight handbells
Negro spirituals are a vibrant and poignant expression of faith from over a century ago. This one speaks of complete reliance on a Savior who cares and comforts even in the most difficult of circumstances. Nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen / Nobody knows but Jesus Nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen / Glory, Hallelujah …
Spirit of God, Descend Upon My Heart (MORECAMBE) – Eight handbells
George Croly, a minister from Dublin, wrote Spirit of God, Descend Upon My Heart in the nineteenth century. It’s a profound statement of what the leading of the Holy Spirit means to the Christian. Spirit of God, who dwells within my heart, Wean it from sin, through all its pulses move. Stoop to my weakness, …
