If you’ve been around for even a short while, this English Christmas carol will be familiar to you. Do you remember going out in the cold (and if you’re in the right area, the snow), and then finishing your visit to each house by singing this song? Here’s our new arrangement of this carol for …
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,
Nov 17
O Holy Night – for twelve handbells
This Christmas classic has been performed and recorded by countless professionals. Our twelve-bell arrangement is fairly accessible, and will bring your congregation into the Christmas season with wonderment and rejoicing. O holy night! the stars are brightly shining; It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth. Long lay the world in sin and error …
Nov 08
God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen (GOD REST YE MERRY) – for eight handbells and piano
God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen is an 18th century English carol that’s been a source of Christmas celebration for generations. Here’s our arrangement for eight handbells and piano – with a delightful and exciting metric twist! God rest you merry, gentlemen, let nothing you dismay; remember Christ, our Savior was born on Christmas Day to …
Nov 03
Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus (JEFFERSON) – for twelve handbells plus piano
The words for this Advent hymn fit many hymn tunes such as HYFRYDOL. Here’s our accompanied twelve-bell version on the less well-known hymn tune JEFFERSON. Come, thou long expected Jesus, born to set thy people free; from our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in thee. Israel’s strength and consolation, hope …
Oct 28
Singing I Go – for twelve handbells
We’ve arranged William Kirkpatrick’s happy, lively hymn Singing I Go (also known as The Trusting Heart to Jesus Clings) as a very accessible score for twelve bells. Your ensemble of three to six ringers will enjoy playing this! The trusting heart to Jesus clings, Nor any ill forbodes, But at the cross of Calv’ry sings, …
Oct 25
On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry (PUER NOBIS) – for eight accompanied handbells
On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry is sung to the 15th century hymn tune PUER NOBIS. It’s traditionally sung for Advent, but can be played for Easter as That Easter Day with Joy was Bright. Our piano-accompanied eight-handbell arrangement will work well with your small handbell ensemble (duet, trio, or quartet)! On Jordan’s bank the …
Oct 17
Gaudete – for sixteen handbells
Gaudete! is a Christmas song dating back to at least the sixteenth century. You’ll find this sixteen-bell arrangement exciting and fun to play! Gaudete, gaudete! Christus est natus Ex Maria virgine, gaudete! Tempus adest gratiæ Hoc quod optabamus, Carmina lætitiæ Devote reddamus. Deus homo factus est Natura mirante, Mundus renovatus est A Christo regnante. Ezechielis …
Oct 16
WOODLANDS (Handbells, 3-5 octaves, plus handchimes, 1 , Level 3+)octave
The hymn tune WOODLANDS was written by Walter Greatorex in 1919. It’s a melody of grandeur and joy, and has been paired with texts such as Tell Out, My Soul and Filled with the Spirit’s Power. We present our new arrangement for three to five octaves of handbells, plus one octave of handchimes! Tell out, …
Oct 10
We have a new flute part for our eight-bell Blessed Assurance!
Getting to work with talented musicians is a great privilege! We recently shared a concert with Gary and Martha Matthews, and decided to add a flute part to our accompanied arrangement of Blessed Assurance. You, of course, can play the original accompanied eight-bell score on its own, but adding the new flute part makes the …
Oct 07
PSALM 22 – for sixteen handbells
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 standard. …