Ma Navu is the first Jewish song that we played as an eight-bell duet. Its lyrics come from Isaiah 52:7, and the melody is meditative and positively lovely! How pleasant on the mountains are the feet of the messenger of good tidings. How pleasant on the mountains are the feet of the messenger of good …
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,
Eight-Bell International Music
We admit it… our “international music” category is a parking place for the eight-bell arrangements that weren’t hymns, or Christmas carols, or dances, or… But still, it’s a fascinating hodgepodge of music from around the world. Some of these, such as Auld Lang Syne and Happy Birthday, even made it to our list of freebies, …
Bach – Sheep May Safely Graze – Eight handbells
Sheep May Safely Graze is a peaceful (yes, “pastoral”) Bach piece that speaks of quietude and assurance. It’s been in church services and weddings for quite a long time. 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 …
Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen – Eight handbells
Negro spirituals are a vibrant and poignant expression of faith from over a century ago. This one speaks of complete reliance on a Savior who cares and comforts even in the most difficult of circumstances. Nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen / Nobody knows but Jesus Nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen / Glory, Hallelujah …
Spirit of God, Descend Upon My Heart (MORECAMBE) – Eight handbells
George Croly, a minister from Dublin, wrote Spirit of God, Descend Upon My Heart in the nineteenth century. It’s a profound statement of what the leading of the Holy Spirit means to the Christian. Spirit of God, who dwells within my heart, Wean it from sin, through all its pulses move. Stoop to my weakness, …
Morning Has Broken (BUNESSAN) – Eight handbells
The traditional Gaelic tune BUNESSAN is better known to most of us as the music to the popular hymn Morning Has Broken (popularized by Cat Stevens in the 1970s). Our piano-accompanied six-handbell arrangement of the hymn tune BUNESSAN provides an opportunity to play as a two-bells-each trio. Another possibility is to play as a duet …
The Bells of St. Mary’s – Eight handbells
In 1917, Emmett Adams visited St. Mary’s Cathedral in Southampton, England, and was inspired to write The Bells of St. Mary’s. It was later used in a 1945 movie by the same name. The movie may not have done as well as hoped, but the song has been well-remembered! The bells of St. Mary’s / …
Simple Gifts (SIMPLE GIFTS) – Eight handbells
Shaker songs are fantastically good as eight-bell music! “‘Tis a gift to be simple”, yes… but this arrangement is a lot of fun to play! ‘Tis a gift to be simple, ’tis the gift to be free ‘Tis a gift to come down where we ought to be, And when we find ourselves in the …
Charpentier – Prelude from “Te Deum” – Eight handbells
The prelude from Charpentier’s Te Deum fits nicely into just eight bells! 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 copies for your handbell group (plus the accompaniment score, if part of …
Wagner – Bridal Chorus – Eight handbells
Wagner’s Bridal Chorus (aka Here comes the bride) has been a wedding standard for a long, long time. Here it is as one of our eight-bell duets! 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 …
