When I Survey the Wondrous Cross is, perhaps, one of the most profound hymns of all time. Its lyrics convey the message of salvation in Jesus Christ with an unmatched economy of words: When I survey the wondrous cross On which the Prince of Glory died, My richest gain I count but loss And pour …
Category: Handbell Ensemble
Dec 24
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Choraegus
The snow started falling this morning at our place. Millions of tiny bits of ice surround us, and we’re safe and warm inside. Shoveling awaits… It’s the end of 2020, and as we’ve had a fairly wild December, we’ve decided to take a break from our rather manic two-a-week publication pace and get a little …
Dec 07
From a Distant Home – with video now!
We’ve been revisiting some of the twelve- and sixteen-bell scores that we didn’t manage to record earlier. One of them is From a Distant Home for sixteen handbells. We had lots of fun putting the video together! Purchasing this 16-bell arrangement gives you permission to print and maintain up to eight copies for your handbell …
Nov 30
The First Nowell – for sixteen handbells, reissued!
We took a look at our sixteen-bell arrangement of The First Nowell, and decided to revise it. The result of this work is a score that’s more elegant and, we think, “Christmassy” than the old version. This also gave us a chance to reformat it into a “dual-range”™ package as well, with one version in …
Nov 24
Once in Royal David’s City – for six handbells and piano
There are a number of hymns where the lyrics preceded the music by being written as a poem. Once in David’s Royal City was written by Cecil Frances Alexander, and a year after its publication Henry John Gauntlett composed the melody that we know and love. Historical footnote: Mrs. Alexander wasn’t a one-hit wonder… she …
Nov 19
St. Anthony Chorale – for eight handbells
Joseph Haydn wrote this chorale in the 18th century. Our arrangement for eight handbells is quite accessible, and will be a welcome addition to any church service.
Nov 12
Somos del Señor (SOMOS DEL SEÑOR) – for eight handbells
This gentle Spanish-language hymn reflects on the fact that no matter what may happen to us, we belong to God. We hope you’ll enjoy this eight-bell arrangement! Pues si vivimos, para El vivimos y si morimos para El morimos. Sea que vivamos o que muramos, Somos del Señor, somos del Señor. If we live, we …
Nov 05
O Give the Lord Wholehearted Praise (GERMANY) – for eight handbells
This hymn first appeared in W. Gardiner’s Sacred Melodies in 1815. Here’s our eight-bell arrangement! O give the LORD wholehearted praise. / To him thanksgiving I will bring; with all his people I will raise / my voice and of his glory sing. His saints delight to search and trace / his mighty works and …
Oct 29
Funeral Tango – for eight handbells
This somewhat twisted Chopin arrangement/tango/twelve-bar blues came to life as part of the final Low Ding Zone concert series. We’re pleased to offer our seriously boiled-down eight-bell arrangement of this work. Red rose is optional, of course.
Oct 22
Now the Green Blade Riseth/Sing We Now of Christmas (NOEL NOUVELET) – for six handbells and piano
Here’s a brand new earworm for you – it’s the French tune NOEL NOUVELET in 7/8 meter. There are two hymn titles associated with the melody (Sing We Now of Christmas and Now the Green Blade Riseth), so you can play this two times each year! Now the green blade rises from the buried grain, …