The Southern Harmony hymn tune HOLY MANNA, often sung as Brethren, We Have Met to Worship or God, Who Set the Star-Spangled Heavens, here is set for eight handbells in the range C5-C7. We think of a sparkling stream where all of our cares are washed away by God’s love and care, and want to …
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.
Eight-Bell Music
Handbell music requiring just eight bells – surprisingly, perhaps, can be exciting and expressive as well as remarkably challenging. Choraegus is proud to present pieces in this genre for your listening and performing enjoyment! Eight-bell music is more versatile than you might think! Here are some possible ways to play it: … as a two-bells-each …
