I arranged “Danny Boy”/”Londonderry Air” for bass handbells over twenty years ago, and after a run at a Silicon Valley retirement facility, finally dared to play in public at the 2004 Area 12 conferences. Unfortunately, technology of the time didn’t give us an easy way to make even a scruffy video of what happened then. …
Tag: bass handbell solo
Handbell solos have been around for quite a long time. They're a demonstration of unusual prowess and derring-do, since the performer has all of the handbells to herself. Generally, these works require speed, dexterity, precision, and - because of the previous three factors - memorization. One slip, and everything can fall apart.
It should be noted that handbell solos have traditionally been for treble ringers, with some intrusion into the bass range below C5, often with mallets. However, bass handbell solos actually exist, and extend the idea of "handbell solo" by requiring even more speed, dexterity, and precision, plus the added requirement of significant strength (due to the size of the bells).
Yes, there are people wo are crazy enough to attempt these, and some are here so you can join the fun.
Sep 22
It’s Our Anniversary!
Today is our tenth anniversary! Not Choraegus (we celebrated 26 years at the end of last year), but OURS, as in Larry & Carla. From God making it possible for us to meet on the Handbell Community Online, to Facebook, to Skype, and through the Bay View Week of Handbells, where we met and got …
List of Handbell Solos
Here’s a quick compilation of our handbell solos. Each title is a link to the corresponding webpage. TITLE HYMN TUNE Comment All the World Available from Sonology Beautiful Savior/Fairest Lord Jesus ST. ELIZABETH Bass handbell solo Danny Boy/Londonderry Air Bass handbell solo Danza española No. 2 “Orientale” – Enrique Granados Treble handbell solo Malagueña Treble …
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 …
Beautiful Savior / Fairest Lord Jesus (St. ELIZABETH) (Bass Handbell Solo)
This song goes back more than a few years, dating to the Crusades. While we’re not into the militaristic part of that bit of history now, Jesus Christ is still just as wonderful and lovely as ever. Fairest Lord Jesus, ruler of all nature, O thou of God and man the Son, Thee will I …
What You’re Allowed to Do with Music from Choraegus
Here’s what you have permission to do with music you’ve purchased from Choraegus: You have permission to maintain copies of the scores you’ve bought in accordance with our licensing agreement. You have permission to perform our music in live (including livestreamed) services or performances. You have permission to record your rehearsals and performances. For pieces …
How to Purchase Music from Choraegus
It’s quite simple: Find each piece of music that you want to buy, and press the “Add to Cart” button to put it into your (electronic) shopping cart. Check the quantity of each piece you’re ordering to be sure you’re getting the correct number for your needs. For details, please see our Licensing Agreement. When …
This is My Father’s World (Bass Handbell Solo)
Many traditional and folk melodies have made their way into hymnody. This is My Father’s World (hymn tune: TERRA BEATA, “beautiful earth/world”), speaks of the gorgeous things that God has made in creating our universe. This is my Father’s world, and to my listening ears All nature sings, and round me rings the music of …
Danny Boy / Londonderry Air (Bass Handbell Solo)
Here’s our bass handbell arrangement of the more-than-well-known Danny Boy (set to the Irish tune “Londonderry Air” by Frederic Weatherly in 1910). It’s a solid test of strength, stamina, and precision that involves many of the aspects of solo ringing. Larry performed it at the 2004 Area 12 conferences. Oh Danny boy, the pipes, the …
Bass Ringer’s Notebook, Second Edition
The Bass Ringer’s Notebook has been a reference work for bucket slingers since 2007. This second edition provides updated information, new ideas, and illustrations with matching YouTube videos that show how to perform with your bass bells. Topics include: Lifting, Ringing, and Damping Bass Bells Bass Chime Techniques Table Layout Assignments And more… In the …
- 1
- 2
