The traditional Gaelic tune BUNESSAN is better known to most of us as the music to the popular hymn Morning Has Broken (popularized by Cat Stevens in the 1970s). Our piano-accompanied six-handbell arrangement of the hymn tune BUNESSAN provides an opportunity to play as a two-bells-each trio. Another possibility is to play as a duet …
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.
The Bells of St. Mary’s – Eight handbells
In 1917, Emmett Adams visited St. Mary’s Cathedral in Southampton, England, and was inspired to write The Bells of St. Mary’s. It was later used in a 1945 movie by the same name. The movie may not have done as well as hoped, but the song has been well-remembered! The bells of St. Mary’s / …
Simple Gifts (SIMPLE GIFTS) – Eight handbells
Shaker songs are fantastically good as eight-bell music! “‘Tis a gift to be simple”, yes… but this arrangement is a lot of fun to play! ‘Tis a gift to be simple, ’tis the gift to be free ‘Tis a gift to come down where we ought to be, And when we find ourselves in the …
Charpentier – Prelude from “Te Deum” – Eight handbells
The prelude from Charpentier’s Te Deum fits nicely into just eight bells! 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 copies for your handbell group (plus the accompaniment score, if part of …
Wagner – Bridal Chorus – Eight handbells
Wagner’s Bridal Chorus (aka Here comes the bride) has been a wedding standard for a long, long time. Here it is as one of our eight-bell duets! 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 …
Aura Lee – Eight handbells
Aura Lee is a Civil War love song. Elvis Presley made this tune famous as Love Me Tender, and that’s why it’s popular at weddings. As the blackbird in the spring / ‘neath the willow tree sat and piped I heard him sing / praising Aura Lee. Aura Lee! Aura Lee! Maid of golden hair …
Just As I Am (WOODWORTH) – Eight handbells
Charlotte Williams wrote Just as I Am in 1840. It’s been used for altar calls with tremendous frequency, but it also is a poignant solitary meditation of faith. Just as I am, without one plea, But that Thy blood was shed for me, And that Thou bidd’st me come to thee, O Lamb of God, …
Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah (CWM RHONDDA) – Eight handbells
Fanny Crosby wrote Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah, which is sung as a prayer to God for leading and strength. Guide me, O my great Redeemer / pilgrim through this barren land; I am weak, but Thou art mighty / hold me with Your powerful hand. Bread of heaven, bread of heaven / feed …
All the Way My Savior Leads Me (ALL THE WAY) – Eight handbells
Fanny Crosby wrote some of America’s most beloved hymns in the nineteenth century. All the Way My Savor Leads Me is one of her songs of faith and devotion to God. All the way my Savior leads me / What have I to ask beside? Can I doubt His tender mercy / Who through life …
Waltzing Matilda – Eight handbells
Australia is famous for its outback, where the hardly and adventurous sometimes go it alone, perhaps as a rite of passage. Interestingly, Waltzing Matilda isn’t about a girl – it’s about walking through the bush (“waltzing”) with your bag (Matilda) slung over your shoulder! Once a jolly swagman camped by a billabong, Under the shade …
