John Rox wrote the novelty song I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas in 1950. Three years later, Gayla Peevey, a ten-year old from Oklahoma City, OK, recorded it with Mitch Miller’s orchestra as the supporting cast. It’s been a holiday earworm ever since – and now it’s available for three octaves of handbells (plus optional …
Tag: Christmas
Christmas is traditionally celebrated on December 25th as the remembrance of the birth of Jesus Christ (Luke 2).
Liturgically, Christmas is twelve days in length (hence the song, "The Twelve Days of Christmas"), ending on Epiphany (also known as Three Kings' Day).
Churches and celebrants who choose to be less precisely liturgical rejoice with Christmas music (and Epiphany music!) all the way through Advent as well. The important thing is to rejoice, of course.
Dec 07
Hyfrydol – Twelve handbells
Rowland Prichard composed the popular Welsh tune HYFRYDOL It matches many hymn texts such as: Alleluia! Sing to Jesus Love Divine, All Loves Excelling Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus Jesus What A Friend of Sinners I Will Sing of My Redeemer Our arrangement for twelve handbells can be used all through the year! Purchasing this …
Jul 31
Deck the Halls – Twelve handbells
This boisterous – yes… that seems to be an appropriate choice of words! – arrangement of a 16th century Welsh tune Nos Galan is tremendous fun to play. Fa la la la la la la la! Deck the halls with boughs of holly Fa la la la la, la la la la Tis the season …
Jul 28
Infant Holy, Infant Lowly (INFANT HOLY, INFANT LOWLY) – Twelve handbells
Infant Holy, Infant Lowly is a reflection on the wonder of the Christ Child in the manger – it’s the mystery of God coming to live among us on earth. You’ll enjoy playing our new twelve-bell arrangement of this carol! Infant holy, infant lowly, for his bed a cattle stall; oxen lowing, little knowing Christ …
Apr 11
Ukrainian Bell Carol (Handbells, 5-7 octaves, Level 4)
Ukrainian Bell Carol was first known as “Schedryk”/«Щедрик» when Mykola Leontovych wrote it in 1916. And then… in 1941, Peter Wilhousky wrote the lyrics entitled “Carol of the Bells”, the title under which credit is usually given in the United States. We present our arrangement of Leontovych’s composition under its “more original” title. We think …
Feb 20
That Easter Day with Joy was Bright (Handbells, 2 octaves, Level 2+)
That Easter Day with Joy was Bright is sung to the 15th century hymn tune PUER NOBIS. It’s traditionally sung for Easter, but can be played for Advent as On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry. Our new arrangement for two octaves will work well with your ensemble, because it’s a very accessible Level 2+. That …
Feb 15
Winter Wonderland (Handbells, 5 octaves, plus handchimes, 3 octaves, Level 5)
According to Wikipedia, Richard Bernhard Smith wrote the lyrics for “Winter Wonderland” while recovering from tuberculosis in 1934. That same year, Felix Bernard added the tune that has now been covered over 200 times! This song speaks fun and romance during the cold season, about playing in the snow, and planning for great time ahead, …
Jan 05
I Wonder as I Wander – Eight handbells
In 1933, John Jacob Niles heard a bit of music from Annie Morgan, a Appalachian girl, and used it as the basis of his song “I Wonder as I Wander”. It brings out the mystery of Christmas in a way unique to the celebration of Christ’s birth. This medium difficulty arrangement for eight handbells provides …
Dec 18
He is Born (IL EST NÉ) – Eight handbells
The French carol He is Born celebrates the birth of the Christ Child calmly and innocently. However, matters change when this pretty melody crosses over the Channel to be expressed as a lively jig! Our arrangement of IL EST NÉ, done Irish style, will fascinate and challenge you. Have fun! Refrain: Il est né le …
Nov 23
Joseph Dearest, Joseph Mine (RESONET IN LAUDIBUS) – Eight handbells
Joseph Dearest, Joseph Mine is sung to the ancient hymn tune RESONET IN LAUDIBUS from the 15th century. It tells the wonder of the first Christmas from Joseph and Mary’s perspective. Our eight-bell arrangement brings out the gentleness and quietude of the carol. Joseph dearest, Joseph mine, help me cradle the child divine; God reward …