Thanks to the EKCO Ringers, we now have video of two of our duets, Danse Macabre and Eagle Wings! Danse Macabre, by Camille St. Säens, depicts a spooky, nightmarish scene. It’s a Halloween favorite. Eagle Wings is an arrangement of an original song based on Isaiah 40:31.
Tag: handbells
Handbells were invented in 17-century England as a practice tool for tower bell ringers. They could then rehearse in warmer and cheerier places than belfries - to wit, the local pubs. At some point, someone noticed that it was possible to play tunes (rather than just "changes") on handbells, and so "tune ringing" began. The music available from Choraegus followed the tune ringing tradition as practiced and performed in the modern era,
May 12
Jesus Loves the Little Children – Eight handbells
Many of you remember singing Jesus Loves the Little Children from a while back. Maybe that was in Sunday School, or children’s church, or even a baptismal service. Jesus loves the little children, All the children of the world, Red and yellow, black and white, They are precious in His sight, Jesus loves the little …
May 07
LAND OF REST – Eight handbells
The American folk tune LAND OF REST is paired with a number of hymn texts; this lyric matches the tune name particularly well. Jerusalem, my happy home, when shall I come to thee? When will my sorrows have an end? Thy joys, when shall I see? O happy harbor of the saints, O sweet and …
Mar 13
Simple Gifts – Eight handbells, Standard version 2!
Shaker songs are fantastically good as eight-bell music! “‘Tis a gift to be simple”, yes… but our eight-bell arrangements Simple Gifts are a lot of fun to play. Today we’re publishing our second “standard” eight-bell version of this hymn! ‘Tis a gift to be simple, ’tis the gift to be free ‘Tis a gift to …
Mar 04
O Love that Wilt Not Let Me Go – Eight handbells, “Surprisingly Easy”™ version
O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go is a lovely hymn that reminds us of the infinitely deep peace and protection that God offers those who trust Him. Today we’re publishing our “Surprisingly Easy”™ arrangement of this hymn! O love that wilt not let me go, I rest my weary soul in Thee; I …
Feb 27
ATTENDE DOMINE – Eight handbells
The plainchant Draw Near, O Lord has a double origin, with its Latin text from the 10th century and its melody from the 19th century. It is often referred to as the “Lent[en] Prose”. Our new arrangement for eight handbells is straightforward to play, with lots of LV to sound like an ancient stone monastery. …
Feb 21
[GENEVAN] PSALM 22 – Eight handbells, Standard version
[GENEVAN] PSALM 22 is a sixteenth-century hymn from the Genevan Psalter. The referenced psalm starts with “My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken me?”, declaring King David’s remorse after sin. The text was spoken centuries later when Jesus died on the cross, accepting the punishment for our failure to live up to God’s perfect …
Feb 21
When I Survey the Wondrous Cross – Eight handbells, “Surprisingly Easy”™ version
When I Survey the Wondrous Cross is a meditation on the Son of God who gave His life for us. Isaac Watts wrote this hymn which continues to draw us to the Savior. Today we’ve added our “Surprisingly Easy”™ version for eight handbells to our catalog! eight handbells “When I survey the wondrous cross on …
Jan 22
The Harvest Home – Eight handbells
Here’s more fun for the fall with the autumnal hornpipe The Harvest Home for eight handbells! (Yes, it’s January… but having lots of time to practice sounds great… Alternate Titles: Cincinatti The Cork Fred Wilson’s Clog Harvest Time Purchasing this 8-bell arrangement gives you permission to print and maintain up to four copies for your …
Dec 26
I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas (Handbells, 3 octaves, plus optional D7, Level 3+)
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 …