Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming dates back to sixteenth-century Germany. Its lyric combines the image of Jesus Christ as the Rose of Sharon and the Root of Jesse, plus the traditional impression of celebrating Christmas in winter. It was translated to English by Theodore Baker in the nineteenth century. Our “standard” eight-bell arrangement of …
Tag: Advent
Advent is the season preceding Christmas Day. It's begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, called "Advent 1", with the following Sundays being called "Advent 2", "Advent 3", and "Advent 4". If Christmas Day falls on Sunday, December 25th, then Advent 1 is four weeks prior, on November 27th.
Churches observing traditional liturgy use the four Advent Sundays to contemplate different aspects of Christ's coming. The traditional meanings of the candles on an Advent wreath are Prophecy/hope (advent 1), Bethlehem/faith (Advent 2), Shepherd/joy (Advent 3), and Angel/peace (Advent 4). In addition, many Advent wreaths have a Christ candle in the center that's lit for Christmas, symbolizing the fulfillment of the prophecies concerning His (first) coming.
The more liturgical your church is, the stronger the possibility that their services will be more focused on making sure that music during Advent refers specifically to this anticipatory time of the Church calendar (this has also prompted rumors of the existence of a force called the "Advent police"). Churches that are not as insistent on maintaining the distinction between Advent and Christmas tend to rejoice with Christmas music all the way from Thanksgiving to Epiphany.
Sep 23
Still, Still, Still (Handbells, 2 octaves, Level 2)
The Christmas lullaby Still, Still, Still reminds us that the Christ Child sleeps, and that He sleeps under the watchful eyes of the angels of heaven. Our Level 2 arrangement for two octaves fits a smaller group if you find yourself short on Christmas Eve ringers, and can be prepared relatively quickly. Still, still, still, …
Nov 08
O Come, O Come Emmanuel for eight handbells – now in E minor!
Our eight-bell arrangements are generally written for the note ranges G5-G6 and F5-F6 and sold as “Dual-Range” score packages. However, these don’t always work smoothly if you want to sing with them, because the melody notes might fall out of a comfortable congregational range. This is true of our eight-bell O Come, O Come Emmanuel, …
On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry (eight handbells and piano)
On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry is sung to the 15th century hymn tune PUER NOBIS. It’s traditionally sung for Advent, but can be played for Easter as That Easter Day with Joy was Bright. Our piano-accompanied eight-handbell arrangement will work well with your small handbell ensemble (duet, trio, or quartet)! On Jordan’s bank the …
We Wish You a Merry Christmas – Eight handbells
If you’ve been around for even a short while, this English Christmas carol will be familiar to you. Do you remember going out in the cold (and if you’re in the right area, the snow), and then finishing your visit to each house by singing this song? We wish you a merry Christmas and a …
Nov 03
Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus (JEFFERSON) – for twelve handbells plus piano
The words for this Advent hymn fit many hymn tunes such as HYFRYDOL. Here’s our accompanied twelve-bell version on the less well-known hymn tune JEFFERSON. Come, thou long expected Jesus, born to set thy people free; from our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in thee. Israel’s strength and consolation, hope …
Hills of the North, Rejoice (LITTLE CORNARD) (eight handbells and piano)
Hills of the North, Rejoice is usually sung in the United Kingdom as an Advent song. Here’s our arrangement for eight handbells and piano. Hills of the North, rejoice, river and mountain-spring, hark to the advent voice; valley and lowland, sing. Christ comes in righteousness and love, He brings salvation from above. Isles of the …
Sep 07
O Come, O Come Emmanuel (VENI EMMANUEL) – for six accompanied handbells
This Advent hymn originates from as far back as possibly the 12th century. It first appeared in English as translated by John M. Neale in 1851. O come, O come, Emmanuel / And ransom captive Israel That mourns in lonely exile here / Until the Son of God appear Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel / Shall come …
O Come, O Come Emmanuel (VENI EMMANUEL) – Six handbells and piano
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 …
O Come, O Come Emmanuel (VENI EMMANUEL) – Sixteen 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 …
