Here’s our six-handbell arrangement of the usual American melody for this carol. We think it shows a bit of Richard Willis’ (the composer’s) musical background – did you know he studied with Felix Mendelssohn? It came upon the midnight clear, that glorious song of old, From angels bending near the earth to touch their harps …
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.
Sep 07
O Come, O Come Emmanuel (VENI EMMANUEL) – for six accompanied handbells
This Advent hymn originates from as far back as possibly the 12th century. It first appeared in English as translated by John M. Neale in 1851. O come, O come, Emmanuel / And ransom captive Israel That mourns in lonely exile here / Until the Son of God appear Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel / Shall come …
Aug 31
Simple Gifts – for six accompanied handbells
Shaker songs are fantastically good as six-bell music! “‘Tis a gift to be simple”, yes… but this arrangement is a lot of fun to play! ‘Tis a gift to be simple, ’tis the gift to be free ‘Tis a gift to come down where we ought to be, And when we find ourselves in the …
Aug 24
Al die willen te kaap’ren varen – for six accompanied handbells
Clearly, there’s a tiny bit of (ancient) gender bias when you announce “all who want to be privateers, must be bearded men”. But eating rancid bread doesn’t sound like much fun. Perhaps it’s a somewhat silly song in today’s world, but it’s fun to play! Al die willen te kaap’ren varen Moeten mannen met baarden …
Aug 17
Nyanyikanlah (NYANYIKANLAH) – for six accompanied handbells
Our piano-accompanied six-handbell arrangement of the Indonesian melody NYANYKANLAH (translated as “Hallelujah!”) provides an opportunity to play as a two-bells-each trio. Another possibility is to play as a duet where one ringer plays four bells and the other (perhaps a younger/newer player!) plays two bells. The six bells in the score are accompanied by piano; …
Aug 10
Be Thou My Vision (SLANE) – for eight accompanied handbells
Our piano-accompanied eight-handbell arrangement Be Thou My Vision will work well with your small handbell ensemble (duet, trio, or quartet)! Historical note: This arrangement came into being because Steve in Maryland bought some music in early July 2020, and mentioned that he was hoping to find an arrangement of Be Thou My Vision for eight …
Aug 03
Kingsfold – for six handbells and piano
This venerable English tune, placed into the modern hymnody by Ralph Vaughan Williams in 1906, takes on a new introspective feel in our eight-bell arrangement. It also is known as Star of the County Down. Our piano-accompanied six-handbell arrangement of the hymn tune KINGSFOLD provides an opportunity to play as a two-bells-each trio. Another possibility …
Jul 27
Hyfrydol – for six handbells and piano
This popular Welsh tune was composed by Rowland Prichard and has been matched to many hymn texts. Our piano-accompanied six-handbell arrangement of the hymn tune HYFRYDOL provides an opportunity to play as a two-bells-each trio. Another possibility is to play as a duet where one ringer plays four bells and the other (perhaps a younger/newer …
Jul 20
Silent Night – for six handbells, accompanied
Franz Gruber’s lovely carol has enchanted people for two centuries. In case you happen to visit Oberdorf von Salzburg, Austria, you can see the original Silent Night Chapel there. Or… if you’re in the Great Lakes region, you can see the Silent Night Chapel modeled after it in Frankenmuth, Michigan! Silent night! Holy night! / …
Jul 13
Creator of the Stars of Night (CONDITOR ALME SIDERUM) – for six accompanied handbells
This 7th century Latin hymn was translated into English by John M. Neale in 1852. Creator of the stars of night, Thy people’s everlasting light, Jesu, Redeemer, save us all, And hear Thy servants when they call. Our piano-accompanied six-handbell arrangement of the 7th-century Latin hymn Creator of the Stars of Night provides an opportunity …