We’ve had a “Surprisingly Easy”™ version of the hymn tune HUDSON since 2015, but it took a while longer to write a “standard” version. Here it is!
Tag: 8-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.
As eight-bell repertoire works well with a two-in-hand quartet (two bells each) or a four-in-hand duo, or with a trio where the bells are divided 4-2-2 or 3-3-2. We've even seen one instance of playing eight-bell music with eight ringers with one bell apiece, a la Sacred Harp.
Feb 20
Come, All You People, Praise Our God (ODAWA) – for Eight Handbells
We gather each week to celebrate the greatness of the God who has saved us. Here’s our eight-bell arrangement of this hymn text, set to the tune ODAWA.
Feb 17
Beach Spring (BEACH SPRING) – for Eight Handbells
The Sacred Harp from the nineteenth century has been a popular source of music for American hymnody. Dozens of hymn texts have been set to the tune BEACH SPRING, such as Come Ye Sinners, Poor and Needy and What A Friend We Have in Jesus. Here’s our eight-bell arrangement – we’re sure you’ll enjoy playing …
Feb 13
Nearer, My God, to Thee (BETHANY) – for Eight Handbells
God wants us to be near to Him; this prayer is that we would seek to be near to God. Here’s our eight-bell arrangement of a hymn that’s provided comfort and solace to many believers.
Jan 23
“Mfurahini, Haleluya” for Eight Handbells
Here’s our eight-handbell arrangement of an Easter hymn from Tanzania. It’s bright and triumphant! You might find this in your hymnal under the (translated) title Christ is Arisen, Alleluia!
Jan 16
Dona Nobis Pacem for Eight Handbells
We don’t really know how this one escaped our attention, but we’ve (finally) arranged Dona Nobis Pacem for eight handbells. And we’re giving it to you for free!
Sep 27
De Drie Koningen – for eight handbells!
We have a new eight-handbell Christmas arrangement! It’s the Flemish carol De Drie Konginen (“The Three Kings”). We hope you’ll enjoy playing it for Epiphany (or Christmas, or Advent, or maybe even all year round)!
Dec 17
“Silent Night” for eight handbells – at last!
We’ve wanted to have an eight-bell arrangement of Silent Night for some time. If you count your way through the score, you’ll find that the melody has eleven notes. Since eleven is a lot more than eight (to two four-in-hand handbell ringers), we couldn’t initially figure out how to make it into one of our …
Sep 10
New Eight-Bell Music! Hooray! Hooray!
It’s been a while since we released a stack of eight-bell pieces, so we’re excited to share nine new Christmas arrangements! Take a look! Creator of the Stars of Night De Zak van Sinterklaas (Santa’s Bag) Go Tell In on the Mountain Hoe Leit dit Kindeke (Cold is This Little Child) How Great Our Joy …
Aug 31
Los Peces en el Rio (for eight handbells)
This Spanish Christmas carol was part of our “A Carol a Day” postings a couple of years ago, but somehow it escaped official publication! It’s a lively song about how the fish in the river – “los peces en el rio” – rejoiced at the birth of Christ. Here’s where you can find our eight-bell …