Isaac Watts wrote At the Cross about three centuries ago, and it still is a relevant statement of the Christian faith. This hymn is a reflection on Cbrist’s sacrifice for us. Alas, and did my Savior bleed And did my Sovereign die? Would He devote that sacred head For such a worm as I? At …
Tag: hymn
Hymns are the musical substance of the traditional church. They typically have high doctrinal content with classical/choral music. Many of the older (up to the 20th century) were written with four choral parts for choirs to sing.
Modern hymnals go beyond this definition, however, because continuing history provides more and more choices of music for worship. New hymnals include more international and contemporary songs as well. This is in keeping with the definition "hymn: a religious song or poem of praise to God".
There is a Fountain – Twelve handbells
Christ’s giving Himself in sacrifice on our behalf has inspired tremendous emotion over the centuries. Sometimes the triumph of His resurrection comes through; other times it’s about how terrible His death had to be to provide the redemption that now is available to all who will believe. There is a Fountain has contemplative, thoughtful words: …
O Worship the King (LYONS) – Twelve handbells
The text O Worship the King has been matched with a number of melodies. This arrangement uses the LYONS hymn tune. O worship the King all-glorious above, O gratefully sing His power and his love: Our shield and defender, the Ancient of Days, Pavilioned in splendor and girded with praise. O tell of His might …
Morning Has Broken – Twelve 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 …
Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee – Twelve handbells
Beethoven wrote nine symphonies. He was an amazing composer, creating wonderful music during his later years even though he had gone deaf. One of his best known symphonic melodies in the choral world is the “Ode to Joy” from his final symphony, the tune for the hymn Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee. Joyful, joyful, we …
Larry and Carla’s Second “Surprisingly Easy”™ Eight-Bell Hymn Collection
We’re still finding more and more music that can be played with eight bells, so we’ve decided to make a second collection of “Surprisingly Easy”™ eight-bell hymns. We think you’ll enjoy playing these as much as the first “Surprisingly Easy”™ Hymn Collection. You can play this music with two four-in-hand ringers… or you could have …
Larry and Carla’s Third “Surprisingly Easy”™ Eight-Bell Hymn Collection
Our third (!) collection of “Surprisingly Easy”™ eight-bell hymns is like our first and second collections. A new twist is that this collection has several somewhat longer (as in three-page) arrangements, so now you can more easily select pieces to match the time you need to play in your church service. You can play this …
Jun 20
A Mighty Fortress is Our God
Difficult times provide opportunities for all-too-rare people to show incredible character. I’ve been following the news a bit in the wake of the church shootings in Charleston – a horrific crime and tremendous injustice – and have been amazed at how the folks at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church are willing to offer forgiveness …
America the Beautiful (AMERICA/MATERNA) – Eight handbells
I think of America the Beautiful as a “wannabe national anthem”, because it says so much about what matters in the country where I live. O beautiful for spacious skies / For amber waves of grain, For purple mountain majesties / Above the fruited plain! America! America! / God shed his grace on thee And …
In the Garden (GARDEN) – Eight handbells
In the Garden is an early twentieth-century Gospel song by C. Austin Miles. It’s about those solitary times when we find the Savior waiting for us in a peaceful place, and spend time rejoicing in His presence. This is one of the most popular hymns of all time! I come to the garden alone While …
