On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry is sung to the 15th century hymn tune PUER NOBIS. It’s traditionally sung for Advent, but can be played for Easter as That Easter Day with Joy was Bright. Our piano-accompanied eight-handbell arrangement will work well with your small handbell ensemble (duet, trio, or quartet)! On Jordan’s bank the …
Tag: accompanied
Accompanied handbell works can range from solos to larger ensembles, or as a combination of a number of different instruments. Our accompaniments are usually for piano or organ. There also are works with other instruments, such as flute, trumpet, or cajón.
Oct 10
We have a new flute part for our eight-bell Blessed Assurance!
Getting to work with talented musicians is a great privilege! We recently shared a concert with Gary and Martha Matthews, and decided to add a flute part to our accompanied arrangement of Blessed Assurance. You, of course, can play the original accompanied eight-bell score on its own, but adding the new flute part makes the …
May 16
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (MENDELSSOHN) – Handbell duet with piano and optional flute
We bring you a fresh and unusual arrangement of this beloved Christmas song. The irregular meters will keep your ringers on their toes, and will give your congregation a different look at rejoicing during Christmas season! If played as a four-in-hand duet, a table will be needed. Also, it would be advantageous to add a …
Mar 28
Go to Dark Gethsemane (REDHEAD No. 76) – for six accompanied handbells
The hymn tune REDHEAD NO. 76 seems unusual; its background is that the composer, Richard Redhead, published a book of hymns in the nineteenth century. Learning this made it all clear for me! Our arrangement for six accompanied handbells is straightforward to play, and will contribute to your services during Holy Week. Go to dark …
Mar 03
While on the Sea (UKRAINE) – eight handbells and piano
We go through our life as if navigating a great ocean in a small boat. The waves are large, and threaten us continually. The water is unfathomably deep, and we fear what might happen if we were dumped into it. And so we pray to God for protection and safety, for He is our hope. …
Feb 28
All Glory, Laud and Honor – eight handbells and piano
One of the great Palm Sunday hymns is All Glory, Laud, and Honor. The text was written by St. Theodulph in the seventh century (!), and Melchior Teschner composed the tune we know about a millennium later. You’ll enjoy playing our accompanied eight-bell arrangement! All glory, laud, and honor to You, Redeemer, King, To whom …
Oct 21
Away in a Manger (CRADLE SONG) for six handbells and piano
The Christ Child has been born, and sleeps in the manger. This gentle arrangement for six handbells and piano tells the Christmas story with a quiet elegance. Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, the little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head; the stars in the heavens looked down where He lay, …
Oct 11
We have an add-on flute part for Ding Dong, Merrily on High!
Some years ago, Carla and I created an accompanied eight-bell arrangement of Ding Dong, Merrily on High. Well, that was so much fun that when we were preparing to perform a miniconcert with Gary and Martha Matthews, we added a flute part so that Martha, flutist extraordinaire, could be part of the fun – and …
Oct 04
Beautiful Savior / Fairest Lord Jesus (St. ELIZABETH) (Bass Handbell Solo)
Wonderful things happen on social media from time to time. In this case, the suggestion for a bass handbell solo on ST. ELIZABETH came via Facebook. This solo is “reasonably easy”, with a pleasant countermelody in the middle verse. The ending has an option for a hook and Shelley, but comes with the notation “play …
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 …