The title of this traditional Swiss Christmas carol translates as “Unto us a time has come”. It’s from the canton of Lucerne, and traditionally has been sung by Epiphany singers (groups that wear costumes appropriate to the coming of the Magi to Bethlehem). Our eight-bell arrangement of this carol will share the joy of the …
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.
Sep 14
Jul, Jul Strålande Jul (Christmas, Glorious Christmas) – for eight handbells
The Swedish carol Jul, Jul Strålande Jul draws a picture of Christmas with gentle snowfall outdoors, and happy families indoors. We heard this thoughtful Swedish carol at a local orchestral concert, and thought you’d like to play our arrangement for eight handbells. Jul, jul, strålande jul, glans över vita skogarHimmelens kronor med gnistrande ljusGlimmande bågar …
Aug 02
Larry and Carla’s Sixth “Surprisingly Easy”™ Eight-Bell Hymn Collection !!!
Our sixth (!) collection of “Surprisingly Easy”™ eight-bell hymns is like our previous five collections. It contains music that you can prepare relatively quickly, and which will enhance your worship service. You can play this music with two four-in-hand ringers… or you could have four ringers with two bells each. Beginning ringers will have fun …
Jun 28
Praise God, Ye Servants of the Lord (ANDRE) – for eight handbells and piano
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 …
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 …