We thought it would be fun to see whether something from Tchaikowsky’s Nutcracker could be played with eight bells. Imagine our surprise when we found that eight pieces from his masterpiece worked! If you want a special challenge, these arrangements are for you! Their technical difficulties, for most, will make arrival at performance quality feel like a significant accomplishment.
Tchaikovsky – The Nutcracker – Eight handbells
Larry and Carla’s Eight-Bell Nutcracker Collection
In 1892, Pyotr Tchaikovsky was commissioned to write the music for The Nutcracker, a Christmas story about a girl named Maria and her magical gift from Drosselmeyer, a party guest and family friend. We’re thrilled to bring you a collection of Nutcracker arrangements for eight handbells! Bells used: G5, Ab5, A5, Bb5, B5, C6, C#6, …
Tchaikovsky – Nutcracker – Arabian Dance – Eight handbells
Mysterious… sinuous… exotic… we were amazed at how effortlessly Arabian Dance (from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker)made the transition from full orchestra to eight bells. The amazing part is that even when six of the eight bells are sounding, the melody is still clear as… well, it’s clear. You’ll love this wonderfully playable duet! Standard Version: ”Dual-Range”™ Score …
Tchaikovsky – Nutcracker – Chinese Dance – Eight handbells
The lovely flute solo Chinese Dance from the Nutcracker works beautifully with eight bells! Standard Version: ”Dual-Range”™ Score Package (PDF): $ US G5-based practice MP3: $ US F5-based practice MP3: $ US This arrangement is also included in Larry and Carla’s Eight-Bell Nutcracker Collection. But wait! If you’d rather get the whole set of eight-bell …
Tchaikovsky – Nutcracker – Dance of the Reed Flutes – Eight handbells
You might also know Dance of the Reed Flutes as The Merlitons (another word for the type of flute that Tchaikovsky had in mind when he wrote this piece for his Nutcracker Suite). The pastoral color of the original comes out well in this adaptation for eight handbells, and we know you’ll enjoy playing it! …
Tchaikovsky – Nutcracker – Kingdom of Sweets – Eight handbells
Clara has helped the Nutcracker win his battle with the Mouse King, and as a reward, she’s ushered into the magical Kingdom of Sweets. It’s an ethereal journey with the anticipation of incredible wonders… or is it a dream? Our arrangement for eight handbells contains the dreaminess that raises the question. Standard Version: ”Dual-Range”™ Score …
Tchaikovsky – Nutcracker – March – Eight handbells
It’s the party scene from the Nutcracker, and the boys are behaving (for now, of course). They off the toy trumpets they’ve been given, and are putting on a military display for the guests. Our arrangement for eight handbells echoes the staccato notes of their march – and as one friend commented, requires “mad damping …
Tchaikovsky – Nutcracker – Miniature Overture – Eight handbells
Here’s the opening overture from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker! We were amazed that it could be put into eight-bell form, and have loved playing it! Standard Version: ”Dual-Range”™ Score Package (PDF): $ US G5-based practice MP3: $ US F5-based practice MP3: $ US This arrangement is also included in Larry and Carla’s Eight-Bell Nutcracker Collection. But wait! …
Tchaikovsky – Nutcracker – Spanish Dance – Eight handbells
In the second act of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite, a lively waltz presents the treat of Spanish chocolate. Our arrangement for eight handbells is a challenging version of this spectacular trumpet solo. Standard Version: ”Dual-Range”™ Score Package (PDF): $ US G5-based practice MP3: $ US F5-based practice MP3: $ US This arrangement is also included in …
Tchaikovsky – Nutcracker – Trepak – Eight handbells
The Russian dancers in the Kingdom of Sweets put on a display of “power dancing” for Clara and the Prince (or is he Drosselmeyer’s nephew?). This eight-bell arrangement of Trepak from the Nutcracker Suite will dazzle and amaze your audience! Standard Version: ”Dual-Range”™ Score Package (PDF): $ US G5-based practice MP3: $ US F5-based practice …