The Christ Child has been born, and sleeps in the manger. This gentle arrangement for six handbells and piano tells the Christmas story with a quiet elegance. Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, the little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head; the stars in the heavens looked down where He lay, …
Tag: accompanied
Accompanied handbell works can range from solos to larger ensembles, or as a combination of a number of different instruments. Our accompaniments are usually for piano or organ. There also are works with other instruments, such as flute, trumpet, or cajón.
Oct 11
We have an add-on flute part for Ding Dong, Merrily on High!
Some years ago, Carla and I created an accompanied eight-bell arrangement of Ding Dong, Merrily on High. Well, that was so much fun that when we were preparing to perform a miniconcert with Gary and Martha Matthews, we added a flute part so that Martha, flutist extraordinaire, could be part of the fun – and …
Oct 04
Beautiful Savior / Fairest Lord Jesus (St. ELIZABETH) (Bass Handbell Solo)
Wonderful things happen on social media from time to time. In this case, the suggestion for a bass handbell solo on ST. ELIZABETH came via Facebook. This solo is “reasonably easy”, with a pleasant countermelody in the middle verse. The ending has an option for a hook and Shelley, but comes with the notation “play …
Sep 27
Love Came Down at Christmas (GARTAN) – for eight handbells and piano
Christina Rossetti wrote this poem in 1885. It traditionally has been set to the Irish traditional tune GARTAN. This arrangement for eight handbells and piano expresses her words quietly and peacefully. Love came down at Christmas, Love all lovely, Love Divine, Love was born at Christmas, Star and Angels gave the sign. Worship we the …
Sep 23
The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came (GABRIELS MESSAGE) – for six handbells and piano
Our Christmas carols come from many places and times. This one originated in the Basque country between Spain and France, and has a lovely, mysterious feel. Take a look at our arrangement for six handbells and piano! The Angel Gabriel from heaven came, his wings as drifted snow, his eyes as flame; ‘All hail,’ said …
The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came (GABRIELS MESSAGE) – Six handbells and piano
Our Christmas carols come from many places and times. The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came originated in the Basque country between Spain and France, and has a lovely, mysterious feel. The Angel Gabriel from heaven came, his wings as drifted snow, his eyes as flame; ‘All hail,’ said he, ‘thou lowly maiden Mary, most highly …
Away in a Manger (CRADLE SONG) – Six handbells and piano
Away in a Manger is sung to several different tunes. One of these melodies is CRADLE SONG written by William Kirkpatrick at the end of the nineteenth century. This is the tune which is most commonly used in the United Kingdom. Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, the little Lord Jesus laid …
Sep 03
Away in a Manger (NORMANDY) – accompanied handbell duet
Our handbell duet Away in a Manger is an arrangement of the slightly less familiar NORMANDY tune. It still is lovely and thoughtful… just in a different way. This duet score is relatively easy, but expressive in the spirit of the melody. Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, the little Lord Jesus …
Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us (BRADBURY) – Twelve handbells plus piano
Jesus tells us that He is the Great Shepherd, and that we are His sheep. Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us is an appropriate description of those who follow Him in faith, because we need the Lord’s guidance to walk through life. Savior, like a shepherd lead us, much we need Thy tender care, In …
Jun 28
Praise God, Ye Servants of the Lord (ANDRE) – for eight handbells and piano
William Bradbury wrote hymn tunes that are still well-known more than a century later. He Leadeth Me and Sweet Hour of Prayer are two that still appear in hymnals of today. His lively tune ANDRE may be less familiar, but it still suggests praise and rejoicing when played. Our arrangement for eight handbells and piano …
