Happy New Year! It’s time for celebration and a bit of relaxing and making resolutions… uh, okay. Maybe not all of those. Many of us have had a difficult year, and are hoping the next trip around the sun is more user-friendly than the one that’s just ended. We hope you have some optimism, however …
Category: Six-Bell
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, …
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 …
Aug 16
Wexford Carol – for sixteen handbells
Wexford Carol is a traditional Irish Christmas song from long ago (historians put its origin in the 15th or 16th century). It’s unusual in that the melody has some wonderful accidentals. This arrangement for sixteen handbells sets the melody line in mysterious, mildly (and pleasantly!) dissonant chords reflective of a lone singer wandering on the …
Feb 08
Hail the Day that Sees Him Rise (LLANFAIR) – for six handbells and piano
Hail the Day that Sees Him Rise (hymn tune: LLANFAIR) is a hymn of rejoicing over the resurrection of Christ and how our eternity relies on Him. Our new arrangement for six handbells and piano will add a special, glorious touch to your Easter service! Hail the day that sees him rise, Alleluia! to His …
Feb 05
We have practice MP3s!
We have practice MP3s for most of our unaccompanied small-ensemble handbell scores (up to sixteen bells). For a small cost, you get a piano-plus-click-track audio version of the score. This provides a way for your group to hear what they’re playing with a guiding metronome. For our “dual-range” scores, there are separate practice MP3s for …
Jan 05
When I Survey the Wondrous Cross (HAMBURG) – for six accompanied handbells
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 …
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 …
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 …