The film Lemon Drop Kid from 1951 has a scene with a grumpy, unhappy Santa standing by a donation kettle. The impression he presents is completed with a gruff singing voice and a clanky bell. He’s, shall we say, doing poorly at generating donations. Along come Bob Hope and Marilyn Maxwell. They straighten him out with a cheery revision of the song he’s singing – Silver Bells.
Our thoughtful, reflective arrangement of Silver Bells is scored for three to seven octaves of handbells, plus three octaves of handchimes.
Silver bells, silver bells,
It’s Christmas time in the city,
Ring-a-ling, hear them ring,
Soon it will be Christmas Day.
