William Bradbury wrote hymn tunes that are still well-known more than a century later. He Leadeth Me and Sweet Hour of Prayer are two that still appear in hymnals of today. His lively tune ANDRE may be less familiar, but it still suggests praise and rejoicing when played. Our arrangement for eight handbells and piano …
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.
Jun 22
O Zion, Haste (TIDINGS) – for eight handbells and piano
The Great Commission has been given to the Church (figuratively, “Zion”). That responsibility is to share the love of Christ with the world so that all may be saved. In this hymn, the tune TIDINGS evokes images of this responsibility as spiritual marching orders. Our arrangement for eight handbells and piano will work especially well …
Jun 17
In the Sweet By and By (SWEET BY AND BY) (eight handbells and piano)
This peaceful hymn has been a comfort to Christians for over 150 years. It speaks of the eternal destination of believers, and how they will all reunite in a place beyond all the difficulties they experienced in this life. Here’s our arrangement for eight bells and piano. There’s a land that is fairer than day, …
May 13
All Things Bright and Beautiful (ROYAL OAK) – for eight handbells and piano
Our piano-accompanied eight-handbell arrangement of All Things Bright and Beautiful works well with two, three, or four ringers, and will give your accompanist some fun besides! All things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small, All things wise and wonderful, the Lord God made them all. The eight bells in the score are accompanied …
Apr 26
Count Your Blessings (BLESSINGS) – for eight handbells and piano
This joyous hymn about all the wonderful things God does for us has now been arranged for eight handbells and piano! It’s a relatively easy piece (for the bells, definitely, and not too difficult for the pianist) that’s fun to play. When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed, when you are discouraged, thinking all …
Apr 19
I Greet Thee, Who My Sure Redeemer Art (TOULON) – for eight handbells
Here’s a thoughtful, meditative hymn about the power and grace of the Lord who holds us in His hands from everlasting to everlasting. We’re sure you’ll enjoy playing and sharing our eight-bell arrangement. I greet Thee, who my sure Redeemer art, My only Trust and Savior of my heart, Who pain didst undergo for my …
Apr 12
Twinkle – for eight handbells
Today’s a twofer day. First off, we have a free eight-bell arrangement of Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. We’re certain you’ll enjoy playing this very familiar children’s song! The other part of today’s double feature is the “Twinkle Samba”, an arrangement of the same song in Latin American style. It has some fun challenges, and will …
Mar 11
Sändmannchen – for eight handbells
Johannes Brahms wrote a lullaby that speaks of how the flowers work hard making wonderful scents during the day, and rest at night. A little bit of quietude seems to be a really good idea in today’s world. Perhaps playing and sharing our eight-bell arrangement will bring some peacefulness. Purchasing this 8-bell arrangement gives you …
Feb 25
This Joyful Eastertide (VREUCHTEN) – for eight handbells
Here’s a triumphant hymn for Easter Sunday (and all year round!) from the seventeenth century. You’ll enjoy playing our eight-bell arrangement to celebrate the Resurrection! This joyful Eastertide, away with sin and sorrow! My Love, the Crucified, has sprung to life this morrow: Had Christ, who once was slain, not burst His three-day prison, our …
Feb 05
We have practice MP3s!
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 …