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 …
Tag: 6-bell
Starting in 2012, we (Larry and Carla Sue) developed a large repertoire of music for eight handbells which we perform as four-in-hand duets. These pieces ranged from fairly simple to maniacally difficult, and eventually led to the creation of their "Surprisingly Easy"™ eight-bell arrangements so that there would be more options for the ringing world at large.
Larry had shoulder surgery in early 2020, and Carla suggested creating a new lie of music for six accompanied handbells. The "accompaniment" part came about, of course, because six bells result in sacrificing at least one scale tone to satisfy the numeric constraint. Surprisingly, six-bell pieces have turned out to be a rich field for exploration.
As eight-bell repertoire works well with a two-in-hand quartet (two bells each) or a four-in-hand duo, six-bell repertoire works nicely with a two-in-hand trio or a "four-in-hand sesquisoloist" (one-and-a-half four-in-hand players).
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 …
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 16
Marvelous Grace – for six handbells and piano
This was one of my favorite hymns as a teenager. The message is timeless, and the singing was always strong and glorious. Our arrangement for six handbells and piano will be a great addition to your repertoire! Marvelous grace of our loving Lord, grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt, yonder on Calvary’s mount …
Nov 02
How Great Our Joy (JUNGST) – for six handbells and piano
Joy is celebrated many ways. In this carol, the contrast of soft and loud provides a way to show what handbells can do! While by the sheep we watched at night, glad tidings brought an angel bright. How great our joy! Great our joy! Joy, joy, joy! Joy, joy, joy! Praise we the Lord in …
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, …
Oct 12
Sussex Carol/On This Night All Christians Sing (SUSSEX CAROL) – for six handbells and piano
The Christmas song Sussex Carol is also known by its first lyric line “On this night all Christians sing”. It’s a joyous melody, and we have a wonderful time playing our arrangement of this Christmas carol for six handbells and piano! On Christmas night all Christians sing to hear the news the angels bring; on …
Oct 08
Good Christian Men, Rejoice (IN DULCI JUBILO) – for six handbells and piano
Rejoice! Rejoice! The melody in our six-bell-plus-piano arrangement weaves around the accompaniment, creating a joyous setting for the English carol. Good Christian friends, rejoice with heart and soul and voice; give ye heed to what we say: Jesus Christ was born today. Ox and ass before him bow, and he is in the manger now. …
Sep 28
O Little Town of Bethlehem (FOREST GREEN) – for six handbells plus piano
his Christmas carol reflects the quiet joy of the Savior’s birth. O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie! Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by. Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting Light; the hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight. …
Sep 14
It Came Upon the Midnight Clear (CAROL) – for six handbells plus piano
Here’s our six-handbell arrangement of the usual American melody for this carol. We think it shows a bit of Richard Willis’ (the composer’s) musical background – did you know he studied with Felix Mendelssohn? It came upon the midnight clear, that glorious song of old, From angels bending near the earth to touch their harps …