Sometimes we find ourselves in what we think is a hopeless situation. Well, we think it’s hopeless, because we don’t have an adequate answer to that problem. It’s those times when God can send the answer in the form of someone else who shares the burden and helps to make sense of life. He provides …
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,
Alas, and Did My Savior Bleed (MARTYRDOM) – Eight handbells
Hugh Wilson arranged a tune of anonymous origin, MARTYRDOM, as a setting for Isaac Watts’ words Alas, and did my Savior bleed, and then added a refrain. It’s a hymn that is important to many Christians at Easter. Alas! and did my Savior bleed / And did my Sovereign die? Would He devote that sacred …
Jan 08
Epiphany
And a wonderful Epiphany to you! We’re starting 2017 by publishing a new eight-bell arrangement of the German Epiphany carol O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright. Philipp Nicaolai composed the tune at the end of the sixteenth century, and about 150 years later J.S. Bach harmonized it. We wish you a happy 2017, and …
Dec 19
A Carol A Day!
We’ve been posting new recordings of some of our eight-bell Christmas music on the Larry and Carla Facebook page. Do take a look – the dates below will take you to the Facebook posts, and the titles will take you to the pages on this site where you can purchase music! December 26: Angels from …
The Seven Joys of Mary – Eight handbells
Mary had, as Jesus’ mother, some very special memories. Jesus was more than a doctor; He healed the sick and raised the dead. He was more than a lawyer; He knew the Law better than the priests did. He wasn’t just a prophet; He was the central focus of Biblical prophecy and its overall purpose. …
Nov 24
Ding Dong, Merrily on High
It’s not too late to add one more piece to your eight-bell Christmas repertoire! This time we have something different: A handbells-and-keyboard collaboration on Ding Dong, Merrily on High. There are both piano and organ accompaniments available, and we’re sure you’ll enjoy them!
Ding Dong, Merrily on High – Eight Handbells with Organ or Piano, plus optional flute
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). …
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 …
