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: handbell ensemble
This composition is for handbell ensemble. The pitch range depends on the whim of the composer; there are pieces of this type for all ranges of handbells. The number of ringers can also vary quite a bit, but the general rule is that this number is smaller than that of a full-sized handbell choir.
Oct 18
The Heavens Declare Your Glory (FAITHFUL) – for eight handbells
Our arrangement of this joyous hymn is generally appropriate for worship services. It also can be played at Easter as O Joyous Easter Morning. The heavens declare your glory, the firmament your power; day unto day the story repeats from hour to hour. Night unto night replying, proclaims in every land, O LORD, with voice …
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 …
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 …
Sep 20
Es ist für uns eine Zeit angekommen – for eight handbells
The title of this traditional Swiss Christmas carol translates as “Unto us a time has come”. It’s from the canton of Lucerne, and traditionally has been sung by Epiphany singers (groups that wear costumes appropriate to the coming of the Magi to Bethlehem). Our eight-bell arrangement of this carol will share the joy of the …
Sep 14
Jul, Jul Strålande Jul (Christmas, Glorious Christmas) – for eight handbells
The Swedish carol Jul, Jul Strålande Jul draws a picture of Christmas with gentle snowfall outdoors, and happy families indoors. We heard this thoughtful Swedish carol at a local orchestral concert, and thought you’d like to play our arrangement for eight handbells. Jul, jul, strålande jul, glans över vita skogarHimmelens kronor med gnistrande ljusGlimmande bågar …
Dance of the Sugar Plum Sumo Fairy – Bass handbell trio
Tchaikovsky created one of the all-time holiday season favorites when he wrote the Nutcracker Suite in 1892. There’s a good chance you’ve seen more than just a small part of it at a December ballet presentation. The Dance of the Candy Fairy (or Sugar Plum Fairy) was a sensation at its premiere, because Tchaikovsky chose …
Scores with handbells plus other instruments
The following scores have instrumentation added to handbells: Six handbells: All of our arrangements for six handbells have piano accompaniment. Eight handbells: All Things Bright and Beautiful (we also have a separate unaccompanied version) Be Thou My Vision Blessed Assurance Count Your Blessings For All the Saints Hills of the North, Rejoice In the Sweet …
Sep 09
All Creatures of Our God and King (LASST UNS ERFREUEN) – for sixteen handbells
The Church has worshipped the Creator with this hymn for centuries. Here’s our arrangement for sixteen handbells, suitable for four to eight ringers. We’ve also made it available in two versions: C5-A6 (three octaves) and G4-E6 (two octaves). All creatures of our God and King, lift up your voice and with us sing, alleluia, alleluia! …
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 …
