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 …
Tag: handbell ensemble
This composition is for handbell ensemble. The pitch range depends on the whim of the composer; there are pieces of this type for all ranges of handbells. The number of ringers can also vary quite a bit, but the general rule is that this number is smaller than that of a full-sized handbell choir.
Apr 07
I Surrender All (SURRENDER) – for sixteen handbells
Judson Van DeVenter, the writer of this hymn, shared a heartfelt message that Christians have expressed time and time again for centuries. Our arrangement for sixteen handbells is available in C5-Ab6 and G4-Eb6 versions; the latter can be played using a two-octave set. All to Jesus I surrender, All to Him I freely give; I …
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 24
Let Us Break Bread Together (BREAK BREAD TOGETHER) (Handbells, 2 to 3 octaves, Level 2)
The spiritual Let Us Break Bread Together has simple, yet profound words. It’s a communion song that puts absolute and everlasting reliance on the mercy and grace of God. Our setting for two to three octaves of handbells will bring a peaceful touch to your service or music presentation. Let us break bread together on …
Mar 21
The Strife is O’er (VICTORY) – for six handbells and piano
The hymn tune VICTORY by Palestrina dates back to the seventeenth century. About a century later, Francis Pott translated the Latin text from the Symphonia Sirenum to English, giving us the hymn The Strife is O’er, the Battle Done. Now Choraegus has a new arrangement for six accompanied handbells! The strife is o’er, the battle …
Mar 14
My Shepherd Will Supply My Need (RESIGNATION) – for twelve handbells
Jesus is the Good Shepherd. He seeks us when we stray, and guides us when we stay by His side. And one day, He will take us to be in His presence forever. Our twelve-bell arrangement will give your congregation an opportunity to reflect on these wonderful truths! My Shepherd will supply my need, Jehovah …
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 24
Blest Be the Tie that Binds (DENNIS) – for sixteen handbells
The greatest blessing of Christian faith is our everlasting tie to God. With that comes an equally long-lived bond with other believers. The nineteenth-century hymn Blest Be the Tie that Binds speaks of this earthly bond which one day will be perpetuated in heaven. Our arrangement for sixteen handbells is relatively easy, and will work …
Jan 31
All Things Bright and Beautiful (ROYAL OAK) – for sixteen handbells
Cecil Frances Alexander wrote All Things Bright and Beautiful in 1849. The joyous text and its happy melody are perfectly matched! Here’s our new arrangement of the hymn tune ROYAL OAK for sixteen handbells. This score is available in C5-B6 and G4-F#6 versions; the latter can be played on a standard two-octave set of handbells. …
Jan 27
Take My Life and Let It Be (MESSIAH) – for twelve handbells
Hymnody, the body of hymns that we have and sing, often combines the same words with several different tunes. Sometimes we also match the same melody with different words – it can enrich our Christian musical experience. In this case, Louis Hérold wrote the hymn tune MESSIAH, which also works with the same words as …