I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day is a pre-Civil War song that sets a poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow to the tune WALTHAM by John Baptiste Calkin. The theme is “peace on earth, good will to men”, and the words reflect on how hopelessness will give way to glory. And on Christmas Day 2021, …
Category: Christmas
Dec 24
Secret Santa
Just for today (Christmas Eve 2021), we have a little gift for you. Our new twelve-bell version of Silent Night is free of charge! Merry Christmas from Choraegus! Larry & Carla
Dec 01
Happy Birthday to Us!
Thank you to those of you who have purchased and played our music! We’ve enjoyed seeing your videos, and have sometimes even been able to been there to see you from the audience. We appreciate having a part in your performances, and even more, in your ministries. Perhaps it underscores the thought that we’re all …
Oct 21
Away in a Manger (CRADLE SONG) for six handbells and piano
The Christ Child has been born, and sleeps in the manger. This gentle arrangement for six handbells and piano tells the Christmas story with a quiet elegance. Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, the little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head; the stars in the heavens looked down where He lay, …
Oct 14
Gesu Bambino (Handbells, 3 or 5 octaves with piano, Level 3)
Gesu Bambino (“the Christ Child”) is a Nativity song from 1917. It’s a lullaby for the Child, but also a call to worship for all others as He awaits them at the Bethlehem manger. Pietro A. Yon, the composer, created the melody so that it would mesh perfectly with VENITE ADOREMUS (“O come, let us …
Oct 11
We have an add-on flute part for Ding Dong, Merrily on High!
Some years ago, Carla and I created an accompanied eight-bell arrangement of Ding Dong, Merrily on High. Well, that was so much fun that when we were preparing to perform a miniconcert with Gary and Martha Matthews, we added a flute part so that Martha, flutist extraordinaire, could be part of the fun – and …
Sep 27
Love Came Down at Christmas (GARTAN) – for eight handbells and piano
Christina Rossetti wrote this poem in 1885. It traditionally has been set to the Irish traditional tune GARTAN. This arrangement for eight handbells and piano expresses her words quietly and peacefully. Love came down at Christmas, Love all lovely, Love Divine, Love was born at Christmas, Star and Angels gave the sign. Worship we the …
Sep 23
The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came (GABRIELS MESSAGE) – for six handbells and piano
Our Christmas carols come from many places and times. This one originated in the Basque country between Spain and France, and has a lovely, mysterious feel. Take a look at our arrangement for six handbells and piano! The Angel Gabriel from heaven came, his wings as drifted snow, his eyes as flame; ‘All hail,’ said …
Sep 20
Es ist für uns eine Zeit angekommen – for eight handbells
The title of this traditional Swiss Christmas carol translates as “Unto us a time has come”. It’s from the canton of Lucerne, and traditionally has been sung by Epiphany singers (groups that wear costumes appropriate to the coming of the Magi to Bethlehem). Our eight-bell arrangement of this carol will share the joy of the …
Sep 14
Jul, Jul Strålande Jul (Christmas, Glorious Christmas) – for eight handbells
The Swedish carol Jul, Jul Strålande Jul draws a picture of Christmas with gentle snowfall outdoors, and happy families indoors. We heard this thoughtful Swedish carol at a local orchestral concert, and thought you’d like to play our arrangement for eight handbells. Jul, jul, strålande jul, glans över vita skogarHimmelens kronor med gnistrande ljusGlimmande bågar …