Quite a few years back, we started writing our “Surprisingly Easy”™ arrangements to provide a less demanding approach to our eight-bell music. We were pleased to see that many duets/trios/quartets tried them, both as a way to prepare something for their church services or concerts and as an introduction to small ensemble playing. Many, many …
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.
Jul 14
I Surrender All – Eight handbells
Judson Van DeVenter, the writer of I Surrender All, shared a heartfelt message that Christians have expressed time and time again for centuries. William S. Weeden write the hymn tune that many of us know well. Our new version of this classic hymn of dedication presents the hymn tune SURRENDER in a signable fashion. All …
May 28
We Place Upon Your Table, Lord (DISTRESS) – Eight handbells
Walker’s Southern Harmony (1835) contains many hymns of the day. We Place Upon Your Table, Lord celebrates the Lord’s Supper, reminding us of how the simple elements bread and wine direct us to reflect and act on the profundity of the eternal life that Christ gives us. This short and simple, yet elegant, arrangement for …
May 05
Adoro Te Devote – Eight handbells
The Latin plainchant Adoro Te Devote dates back to the 13th century. Our arrangement for eight handbells works well as an introit, or to enhance a thoughtful time during your church service. It is one of the five Eucharistic hymns composed and set to music for the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, instituted in 1264 by …
Apr 17
Christ the Lord is Risen Today (EASTER HYMN) – Eight handbells
One of the hymns that (just about) always is included in Easter services is Christ the Lord is Risen Today. The Resurrection is remembered in an “Alleluia!” at the end of every line, bringing out the eternal rejoicing that the Resurrection guarantees. Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia! Earth and heaven in chorus say, …
Feb 17
Come Thou Almighty King (ITALIAN HYMN) – Eight handbells
Come, Thou Almighty King is a grand hymn about our need for the Lord to have our loyalty. The tune ITALIAN HYMN was written in 1769 by Felice de Giardini, who had a thoroughgoing musical career as a violinist and composer. Our arrangement for eight handbells provides excitement with a moderate technical challenge, so you …
Jan 09
Love is Patient, Love is Kind – a wedding song with a handbell part!
It’s our pleasure to publish Barbara Butcher’s original song Love is Patient, Love is Kind. This accompanied vocal solo based on I Corinthians 13 works perfectly with weddings, and has a very, very simple (and optional) eight-handbell part. Barbara composed a long and a short version. The long version includes a narration/recitation as its middle …
Jan 05
I Wonder as I Wander – Eight handbells
In 1933, John Jacob Niles heard a bit of music from Annie Morgan, a Appalachian girl, and used it as the basis of his song “I Wonder as I Wander”. It brings out the mystery of Christmas in a way unique to the celebration of Christ’s birth. This medium difficulty arrangement for eight handbells provides …
Dec 18
He is Born (IL EST NÉ) – Eight handbells
The French carol He is Born celebrates the birth of the Christ Child calmly and innocently. However, matters change when this pretty melody crosses over the Channel to be expressed as a lively jig! Our arrangement of IL EST NÉ, done Irish style, will fascinate and challenge you. Have fun! Refrain: Il est né le …
Nov 23
Joseph Dearest, Joseph Mine (RESONET IN LAUDIBUS) – Eight handbells
Joseph Dearest, Joseph Mine is sung to the ancient hymn tune RESONET IN LAUDIBUS from the 15th century. It tells the wonder of the first Christmas from Joseph and Mary’s perspective. Our eight-bell arrangement brings out the gentleness and quietude of the carol. Joseph dearest, Joseph mine, help me cradle the child divine; God reward …