The message of Jesus Paid It All goes far beyond the title. True enough, He gave Himself to pay the penalty of our sins, but the hymn text also intimates that we have an infinite debt to Him that goes along with receiving the free gift that He offers. Of course… it’s impossible to repay …
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.
Nov 04
Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken (AUSTRIAN HYMN) – for eight handbells
Here’s the grandiose hymn that also serves as the national anthem of Germany. It was composed by Haydn (possibly with a Croatian song as source material), and today it still inspires Christians around the world. We’ve added our “standard” arrangement for eight handbells to our repertoire! Purchasing this 8-bell arrangement gives you permission to print …
Oct 18
The Heavens Declare Your Glory (FAITHFUL) – for eight handbells
Our arrangement of this joyous hymn is generally appropriate for worship services. It also can be played at Easter as O Joyous Easter Morning. The heavens declare your glory, the firmament your power; day unto day the story repeats from hour to hour. Night unto night replying, proclaims in every land, O LORD, with voice …
Sep 27
Love Came Down at Christmas (GARTAN) – for eight handbells and piano
Christina Rossetti wrote this poem in 1885. It traditionally has been set to the Irish traditional tune GARTAN. This arrangement for eight handbells and piano expresses her words quietly and peacefully. Love came down at Christmas, Love all lovely, Love Divine, Love was born at Christmas, Star and Angels gave the sign. Worship we the …
Sep 20
Es ist für uns eine Zeit angekommen – for eight handbells
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 …
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, …