[GENEVAN] PSALM 22 is a sixteenth-century hymn from the Genevan Psalter. The referenced psalm starts with “My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken me?”, declaring King David’s remorse after sin. The text was spoken centuries later when Jesus died on the cross, accepting the punishment for our failure to live up to God’s perfect …
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 21
When I Survey the Wondrous Cross – Eight handbells, “Surprisingly Easy”™ version
When I Survey the Wondrous Cross is a meditation on the Son of God who gave His life for us. Isaac Watts wrote this hymn which continues to draw us to the Savior. Today we’ve added our “Surprisingly Easy”™ version for eight handbells to our catalog! eight handbells “When I survey the wondrous cross on …
Jan 22
The Harvest Home – Eight handbells
Here’s more fun for the fall with the autumnal hornpipe The Harvest Home for eight handbells! (Yes, it’s January… but having lots of time to practice sounds great… Alternate Titles: Cincinatti The Cork Fred Wilson’s Clog Harvest Time Purchasing this 8-bell arrangement gives you permission to print and maintain up to four copies for your …
Dec 01
ENGELBERG, 8 handbells, “Surprisingly Easy”™ version
The hymn tune ENGELBERG has been used with several texts: eight handbells All Praise to Thee, for Thou, O King Divine When in Our Music God is Glorified We Know that Christ is Raised No matter which one you’re singing, it’s an inspiring melody! Here’s our new “Surprisingly Easy”™ arrangement! Purchasing this 8-bell arrangement gives …
Nov 21
Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies (RATISBON) – Eight handbells, “Surprisingly Easy”™ version
Charles Wesley was a prolific eighteenth-century hymnwriter, producing over 6,000 hymns over most of a century. Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies speaks of the brightness and glory in a life with the Savior, and reminds us of the darkness and despair of existence without Him. You’ll enjoy playing our new “Surprisingly Easy”™ eight-bell arrangement …
Aug 25
Holy Manna for eight bells – now as a “Surprisingly Easy”™ version!
Our “standard” eight-bell Holy Manna was the very first score we published. Now we have a “Surprisingly Easy”™ version that you can enjoy! Purchasing this 8-bell score gives you permission to print and maintain up to four copies for your handbell group (plus the accompaniment/instrumental score(s), if part of the purchase) – so you …
Jul 24
Come Thou Almighty King (ITALIAN HYMN) – Eight handbells, “Surprisingly Easy”™ version
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. We published a “standard” eight-bell arrangement of this hymn sometime ago, and today we …
Jul 19
Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing – “Surprisingly Easy”™ eight-bell version!
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 …
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 …