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 …
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.
Music for the Royal Fireworks – Eight handbells
G.F. Handel was commissioned to write a celebratory suite by King George II in 1749. This “surprisingly easy” arrangement of Music for the Royal Fireworks is just a small part of the greater work! “Surprisingly Easy”™ Version: ”Dual-Range”™ Score Package: $ US G5-based practice track: $ US F5-based practice track: $ US This arrangement is …
Morag’s Cradle Song – Eight handbells
Morag’s Cradle Song, is a gentle lullaby from Scotland. Here’s our “Surprisingly Easy”™ eight-bell arrangement. Would she were here, my little one Would she were here, my joy my treasure Would she were here, my little one Blue her eye, as skies in summer Sweet her smile as flower at blooming Soft her cheek, as …
Land of Hope and Glory – Eight handbells
Also to known by the title Pomp and Circumstance, this famous Elgar processional Land of Hope and Glory 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 …
Iona Boat Song – Eight handbells
Iona Boat Song was the funerary song of the kings of Scotland as they rowed to their final resting place by monks. Here’s our “surprisingly easy” eight-bell arrangement. Softly glide we along, Softly chant we our song, For a king who to resting is come; Oh, beloved and best, Thou art fairing out west, To …
Drink to Me Only with Thine Eyes – Eight handbells
Drink to Me Only with Thine Eyes, is a pretty English love song was paired, long ago, with Ben Jonson’s poem “To Celia”. Here’s our “surprisingly easy” eight-bell arrangement. Drink to me only with thine eyes And I will pledge with mine. Or leave a kiss within the cup And I’ll not ask for wine. …
The King of Love My Shepherd Is (ST. COLUMBA) – Eight handbells
Henry Baker wrote The King of Love My Shepherd Is based on Psalm 23, first publishing it in Hymns Ancient and Modern in 1868. This arrangement will appeal to you because of its beauty as well as its musical variety! The King of love my shepherd is, whose goodness faileth never. I nothing lack if …
Franck – Panis Angelicus – Eight handbells
Here’s our eight-bell arrangement of Cesar Franck’s famous setting of St. Thomas Aquinas’ words – we think this version would be positively charming at a wedding! 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 …
O Worship the King (LYONS) – Eight handbells
The text O Worship the King has been matched with a number of melodies. This arrangement uses the LYONS hymn tune. O worship the King all-glorious above, O gratefully sing His power and his love: Our shield and defender, the Ancient of Days, Pavilioned in splendor and girded with praise. O tell of His might …
When Morning Gilds the Skies (LAUDES DOMINI) – Eight handbells
We just love this eight-bell arrangement of When Morning Gilds the Skies because it has… well, that “morning” quality on a cool spring day when the sun rises gently in the east over hills of flowers. When morning gilds the skies my heart awaking cries: May Jesus Christ be praised! Alike at work and prayer, …
