This arrangement is dual-purpose – it can be played for Christmas or Easter! So… if you already have our eight-bell version of Now the Green Blade Riseth, you don’t need to buy it again! Sing we now of Christmas, Noel, sing we here! Hear our grateful praises to the babe so dear. Sing we Noel, …
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,
Forever (Handbells, 5-8 octaves, Level 5)
Forever was commissioned in 2012 by Dee Allaway and her family in memory of her father Walter Dennis Oliver. It’s a grand tribute to a man who brought music to his family as well as others around him. At least five octaves of handbells are necessary to play Forever. You’ll find that there are abundant …
While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks By Night (CHRISTMAS)
It’s always interesting to find that the lyrics for Christmas carols and hymns are sung to different melodies on each side of the ocean. This one, by Handel, is the version of While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks By Night that’s sung in the USA. While shepherds watched their flocks by night, all seated on the …
The First Nowell (THE FIRST NOWELL) – Eight handbells
We hear that the tune for this carol was from W. Sandy’s Christmas Carols, published in 1833, and arranged by none other than John Stainer (who is well-known for his wonderful work “God So Loved the World”). The first Nowell the angel did say was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay; In …
Larry and Carla’s First “Surprisingly Easy”™ Eight-Bell Hymn Collection
We’ve been having a great time sharing our eight-bell music with the world, and decided it was time to create 0ur first “Surprisingly Easy” collection of hymns! You can play this music with two four-in-hand ringers… or you could have four ringers with two bells each. Beginning ringers will have fun with these, and will …
Mouret – Rondeau – Eight handbells
Jean-Joseph Mouret wrote this famous piece in the eighteenth century – you might know it as the theme music from “Masterpiece Theater” (uh… “Theatre”). Standard Version: ”Dual-Range”™ Score Package: $ US G5-based practice track: $ US F5-based practice track: $ US Purchasing this 8-bell arrangement gives you permission to print and maintain up to four …
When Irish Eyes are Smiling – Eight handbells
This tribute to Ireland was written by Americans. Chauncey Olcott and George Graff, Jr. wrote the lyrics, and Ernest Ball composed the music. In 1912, this was an expression of the then-romanticization of Ireland. Over a century later, this song is still popular. There’s a tear in your eye, And I’m wondering why, For it …
Fear A’ Bhàta / The Boatman – Eight handbells
In the late nineteenth century, Sìne NicFhionnlaigh (Jean Finlayson) of Tong was in love with a young fisherman from Uig, Dòmhnall MacRath, and she wrote Fear A’ Bhàta (the title translates “the boatman”) for him. It must have worked – they were married shortly after it was composed! Often I look from the highest hill …
Botany Bay – Eight handbells
Botany Bay by William Meyer Lutz recalls the British colony where Undesirables of the Crown were sent to “start a new life.” It was popular in London musicals in the latter part of the 19th century, though it may have been written before that time. Farewell to old England forever / Farewell to my rum …
To God Be the Glory (TO GOD BE THE GLORY) – Eight handbells
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 Personal note: This was the favorite hymn of Larry’s great-aunt Pat! To God be …
