Fanny Crosby and William Doane were a “dynamic duo” of hymn-writing in the decades on either side of the year 1900. She wrote the words, and he composed the music. One of their best-known hymns is To God Be the Glory; today we present to you our twelve-bell arrangement of this hymn, Personal note: This …
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,
Jan 25
Lead On, O King Eternal (LANCASHIRE) – Sixteen-Handbell Version
Our friend Daniel got a short-notice announcement that his school wanted a handbell choir for their graduation ceremony, specifically this hymn. So… here’s a fairly easy sixteen-bell arrangement of Lead On, O King Eternal! Lead on, O King eternal, the day of march has come; Henceforth in fields of conquest Thy tents will be our …
Lead On, O King Eternal (LANCASHIRE) – Sixteen handbells
Lead On, O King Eternal is a marching song of the faith. Ephesians 6:12, however, tells us that “we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” The battle is spiritual, and it’s for the eternal kingdom …
About Our Practice Tracks
We have practice tracks for most of our unaccompanied small-ensemble handbell scores (up to sixteen bells). For a small cost, you get a piano-plus-click-track audio version of the score. This provides a way for your group to hear what they’re playing with a guiding metronome. For our “dual-range” eight-bell scores, there are separate practice tracks …
Jan 21
Come, Thou Almighty King – rereleased for sixteen handbells!
We’ve revised our sixteen-bell score of Come, Thou Almighty King! We’ve also made a “clone” video so you can see and hear it. Come, thou Almighty King, help us Thy name to sing, help us to praise. Father, all glorious, o’er all victorious, come and reign over us, Ancient of Days. Purchasing this 16-bell arrangement …
Come, Thou Almighty King (ITALIAN HYMN) – Sixteen handbells
Come, Thou Almighty King is a grand hymn about our need for the Lord to have our loyalty. The tune ITALIAN HYMN was written in 1769 by Felice de Giardini, who had a thoroughgoing musical career as a violinist and commposer. Come, thou almighty King / help us thy name to sing / help us …
Jan 18
Skye Boat Song – Twelve-Handbell Version
This soothing, plaintive song is about Prince Charles’ escape to the Isle of Skye after his defeat in the Battle of Culloden in 1746. Today we’re releasing our twelve-bell arrangement of this song. Purchasing this 12-bell arrangement gives you permission to print and maintain up to six copies for your handbell group – so you …
Skye Boat Song – Twelve handbells
The soothing, plaintive Skye Boat Song is about Prince Charles’ escape to the Isle of Skye after his defeat in the Battle of Culloden in 1746. Imagine a defeated leader departing the battleground, seeking safety by crossing the water, and hoping to fight another day. In church services, this melody is matched with the hymn …
Jan 14
Lift High the Cross (CRUCIFER) – eight handbells and piano
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. This arrangement, for eight handbells and piano, will be a welcome addition to your repertoire. Refrain: Lift high the cross, the love of Christ proclaim …
Ah, Holy Jesus (HERZLIEBSTER JESU) – Eight handbells
Johann Crüger wrote the music for Ah, Holy Jesus, a Good Friday hymn that remembers the sacrifice Jesus offered for our salvation. The singer raises the question of whether Jesus had done anything to deserve crucifixion, and comes to the necessary conclusion that it was their own sin that led to the Savior’s willing sacrifice …
