Lift High the Cross undoubtedly is most sung in churches at Easter (and maybe on through Pentecost), but the message of salvation through Christ rings true the whole year round. Our new arrangement, for two octaves of handbells, will be a welcome addition to your repertoire. Refrain: Lift high the cross, the love of Christ …
Tag: handbells
Handbells were invented in 17-century England as a practice tool for tower bell ringers. They could then rehearse in warmer and cheerier places than belfries - to wit, the local pubs. At some point, someone noticed that it was possible to play tunes (rather than just "changes") on handbells, and so "tune ringing" began. The music available from Choraegus followed the tune ringing tradition as practiced and performed in the modern era,
Lift High the Cross (CRUCIFER) (Handbells, 2 octaves, Level 2+)
Lift High the Cross undoubtedly is most frequently sung in churches at Easter (and maybe on through Pentecost), but the message of salvation through Christ rings true the whole year round. This arrangement will be a welcome addition to your repertoire. Refrain: Lift high the cross, the love of Christ proclaim till all the world …
Mar 06
Be Thou My Vision (SLANE) (Handbells, 2 octaves, Level 2)
For those of you who need a slightly-smaller handbell choir piece, we have a new two-octave arrangement of Be Thou My Vision. It’s a Level 2 score, so you should have a great time putting it together! Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart Naught be all else to me, save that Thou …
Be Thou My Vision (SLANE) (Handbells, 2 octaves, Level 2)
Be Thou My Vision, usually sung to the hymn tune SLANE, is a heartfelt and eloquent prayer by a believer who wants to follow the path God offers. Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art Thou my best Thought, by day or by …
I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say (JESUS, MEINE FREUDE) (Handbells, 2 octaves, Level 2+)
Johann Franck wrote I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say in the 17th century. The music for his hymn is unusual, because it has a minor key verse and major key refrain. The contrast reflects on how the difficulties of life (minor key) are answered by the love of the Savior (major key). I heard …
How Great Thou Art (O STORE GUD) (Handbells, 2 octaves, Level 2+)
Worshipers love the grandness of the Swedish hymn How Great Thou Art by Carl Gustav Boberg. English-speaking congregants have had the joy of singing it because of Stuart Hine’s translation work. O Lord my God! When I in awesome wonder Consider all the works Thy hand hath made. I see the stars, I hear the …
Flower Drum Song (凤阳花鼓) (handbells, 3 or 5 octaves, Level 4)
Flower Drum Song Feng Yang Hua Gu (凤阳花鼓) may have been composed as far back as the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 A.D.). It comes from Fengyang County in Anhui Province, and is said to have been sung by people affected by floods in that region as part of asking for donations to recover their living. 左手锣右手鼓手拿着锣鼓 …
Feb 27
Simple Gifts (six handbells and piano)
Our six-bell arrangement of Simple Gifts has a contemporary twist which gives the pianist a fun part to play. It’s fairly easy for the ringers as well, and the ensemble combines to produce a nicely syncopated version of what usually is presented as a rather straightforward tune. Purchasing this 6-bell arrangement gives you permission to …
Feb 17
Barcarolle (for twelve handbells)
Barcarolle is a well-known boating song. To me, it’s reminiscent of a tour of the canals of Venice via gondola. The gondolier propels the boat with a long pole; some of them even sing as you float along. And all the while, the history of the city and its beauty encircles you. Our arrangement for …
Jasmine Flower (茉莉花) (handbells, 3 or 5 octaves, plus handchimes, 2 octaves, Level 4-)
The Chinese folk song Mo Li Hua (茉莉花) dates back to the 18th century, and is one of the most popular Chinese tunes of all time. The title translates “jasmine flower”. Our arrangement is Level 4-, which means your ensemble will have lots of fun playing it. It’s also a great selection for concert repertoire, …
