The sixteenth-century English tune Ding Dong, Merrily on High is quite popular at Christmas. It reflects the joy of the season, and invites us to share in the joy of heaven at the birth of the Son of God. Here we have a team effort between eight handbells and a keyboard instrument (piano or organ). …
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,
In the Bleak Midwinter – Twelve handbells and piano
The poem often comes first… Christina Rosetti wrote the words for Scribner’s Monthly in 1872, and then a few years later (1906, to be precise), Gustav Holst set her verse to music. The result: In the Bleak Midwinter, one of the most reflective and well-loved of all Christmas songs. We have not only the eight-bell …
Still, Still, Still – Twelve handbells and piano
Still, Still, Still is a Christmas lullaby that reminds us that the Christ Child sleeps, and that He sleeps under the watchful eyes of the angels of heaven. Still, still, still, One can hear the falling snow. For all is hushed, The world is sleeping, Holy Star its vigil keeping. Still, still, still, One can …
Still, Still, Still – Handbell solo
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. Still, still, still, One can hear the falling snow. For all is hushed, The world is sleeping, Holy Star its vigil keeping. Still, still, still, One can hear the …
Larry and Carla’s Eight-Bell Christmas Collection
We’ve noticed that our friends have been enjoying our “Surprisingly Easy”™ Christmas collections, and thought that it would be fun to create a “Standard” Christmas collection for those of you who are more adventurous. The seven arrangements in this collection are more challenging than their “Surprisingly Easy”™ counterparts, so you’ll have more fun. You’ll need …
Strollin’ in the Park (Handbells, 5 octaves, Level 3+)
Here’s the story behind Strollin’ in the Park: One day Libbie Randels asked me to write a piece for her handbell choir. Now, this was an unusual group because it consisted of about three dozen seniors. At the time, their average age was 73 – and they were active, happy, and musical. Getting older is …
Heather’s Dance – Handbells, Harp, and C/Bb/Eb/F Instrument
Dancing in the Highlands is the picture for this unusual trio (… a quartet if you add bodhran!), Heather’s Dance, originally scored for handbells, harp, and bowed psaltery. Bells scored are D5, E5, F#5, G5, A5, B5, C6, D6, E6, F#6, G6, A6, B6, C6, D6, and E6, with D6-E7 on bell tree). Keyboard may …
ENGELBERG (Handbells, 3 or 5 octaves plus handchimes, 1 octave, Level 2+)
The hymn tune ENGELBERG has been used with several texts: All Praise to Thee, for Thou, O King Divine When in Our Music God is Glorified We Know that Christ is Raised No matter which one you’re singing, it’s an inspiring melody! For 3-5 octaves of handbells and 1 octave of handchimes Level 2+ Preview: …
A Celebration of Our Life (Handbells, 5 octaves plus 3 octaves of handchimes, Level 4)
A California couple commissioned A Celebration of Our Life for their 30th wedding anniversary, and had their church’s handbell choir premiere it when they renewed their vows. Fun abounds in this piece, as it describes parts of their story. For instance: The introductory melody is both thirty beats long and thirty notes long (not counting …
Malagueña – Handbell solo
Ernesto Lecuona’s possibly-most-familiar work Malagueña describes a woman of the town of Malaga. When you play this, it surely will create a musical portrait of a lady with flair and boldness! Range of bells: C#5-E7 Here’s a video of Lisa Arnold playing the piece she commissioned: Price: $ US Purchasing this score gives you permission …
