Tag: international music

Waltzing Matilda – Eight handbells

Australia is famous for its outback, where the hardly and adventurous sometimes go it alone, perhaps as a rite of passage. Interestingly, Waltzing Matilda isn’t about a girl – it’s about walking through the bush (“waltzing”) with your bag (Matilda) slung over your shoulder! Once a jolly swagman camped by a billabong, Under the shade …

Continue reading

Music for the Royal Fireworks – Eight handbells

G.F. Handel was commissioned to write a celebratory suite by King George II in 1749. This “surprisingly easy” arrangement of Music for the Royal Fireworks is just a small part of the greater work! “Surprisingly Easy”™ Version: ”Dual-Range”™ Score Package: $ US G5-based practice track: $ US F5-based practice track: $ US This arrangement is …

Continue reading

Morag’s Cradle Song – Eight handbells

Morag’s Cradle Song, is a gentle lullaby from Scotland. Here’s our “Surprisingly Easy”™ eight-bell arrangement. Would she were here, my little one Would she were here, my joy my treasure Would she were here, my little one Blue her eye, as skies in summer Sweet her smile as flower at blooming Soft her cheek, as …

Continue reading

Land of Hope and Glory – Eight handbells

Also to known by the title Pomp and Circumstance, this famous Elgar processional Land of Hope and Glory provides the musical backdrop for many ceremonies and celebrations. Here’s our “surprisingly easy” eight-bell arrangement. Land of Hope and Glory, Mother of the Free, How shall we extol thee, who are born of thee? Wider still, and …

Continue reading

Iona Boat Song – Eight handbells

Iona Boat Song was the funerary song of the kings of Scotland as they rowed to their final resting place by monks. Here’s our “surprisingly easy” eight-bell arrangement. Softly glide we along, Softly chant we our song, For a king who to resting is come; Oh, beloved and best, Thou art fairing out west, To …

Continue reading

Drink to Me Only with Thine Eyes – Eight handbells

Drink to Me Only with Thine Eyes, is a pretty English love song was paired, long ago, with Ben Jonson’s poem “To Celia”. Here’s our “surprisingly easy” eight-bell arrangement. Drink to me only with thine eyes And I will pledge with mine. Or leave a kiss within the cup And I’ll not ask for wine. …

Continue reading

By the Light of the Silvery Moon – Eight handbells

By the Light of the Silvery Moon, he classic song by Gus Edwards and Edward Madden from 1909 (yes, that far back!) comes to life in this happy, bouncy eight-bell arrangement. You’ll have loads of fun playing it! Place park, scene dark, silvery moon is shining through the trees; Cast two, me, you, sound of …

Continue reading

Danny Boy / Londonderry Air – Bass handbell solo

Here’s our bass handbell arrangement of the more-than-well-known Danny Boy (set to the Irish tune “Londonderry Air” by Frederic Weatherly in 1910). It’s a solid test of strength, stamina, and precision that involves many of the aspects of solo ringing. Larry performed it at the 2004 Area 12 conferences. Oh Danny boy, the pipes, the …

Continue reading

Danny Boy – Eight handbells

Here’s our eight-bell arrangement of the more-than-well-known Danny Boy (set to the Irish tune “Londonderry Air” by Frederic Weatherly in 1910), written for Queen Elizabeth II’s Jubilee, the celebration of the 60th anniversary of her ascension to the throne. Oh Danny boy, the pipes, the pipes are calling From glen to glen, and down the …

Continue reading

Beautiful Dreamer – Eight handbells

Stephen Foster’s classic tune Beautiful Dreamer comes to life in this 8-bell arrangement for two four-in-hand players (or a quartet of ringers with two bells apiece). This one is dedicated to our friend Meg. Beautiful dreamer, wake unto me, Starlight and dewdrops are waiting for thee; Sounds of the rude world heard in the day, …

Continue reading