At long last I’ve gotten to the point of having new music to sell! It took a lot to get there… and now that Carla, my wife and ringing partner is here, we can make videos of the new eight-bell arrangements. (Other ideas are in progress for working with bigger-than-duet compositions…). You’ll find them under …
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,
Abide with Me (EVENTIDE) – Eight handbells
Abide wth Me is a hymn of comfort and consolation; it frequently is selected for memorial services and funerals. More personally, believers remember it when they feel like the whole world is against them, and remember that God is always ready to draw them close. Abide with me: fast falls the eventide; The darkness deepens; …
I Need Thee Every Hour (NEED) – Eight handbells
I Need Thee Every Hour is a look at one of the key parts of the Christian life: dependence on God. Each verse starts with “I need Thee”, and looks at a different aspect of that need. The bottom line, of course, is that no matter what life throws at us, we always need Him. …
The Snow Lay on the Ground (VENITE ADOREMUS) – Eight handbells
English Christmas carols often are lively and sparkly, and The Snow Lay on the Ground is no exception. The pairing of “venite adoremus Dominum” with the end of the melody reminds us that worship should be both a reverent and joyous experience. The snow lay on the ground, the stars shone bright, When Christ our …
Tigress Rag (Handbells, 5-7 octaves, Level 5)
Tigress Rag, written in the style of Scott Joplin, was the Second Place Winner of the 2011 Bells of the Sound “All That Jazz” composition contest. The arrangement is for 5-7 octaves of handbells, and is dedicated to Larry’s wife Carla! We also have a version for pianists! Handbells (five, six, or seven octaves) Level …
O, the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus (EBENEZER/TON-Y-BOTEL) – Eight handbells
O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus is sung to the hymn tune EBENEZER, which means “stone of help.” Jesus is the Rock of Ages, and our Eternal Rescuer; He is the One to whom we must turn for salvation. O the deep, deep love of Jesus! Vast, unmeasured, boundless, free, rolling as a mighty …
Beautiful Dreamer – Eight handbells
Stephen Foster’s classic tune Beautiful Dreamer comes to life in this 8-bell arrangement for two four-in-hand players (or a quartet of ringers with two bells apiece). This one is dedicated to our friend Meg. Beautiful dreamer, wake unto me, Starlight and dewdrops are waiting for thee; Sounds of the rude world heard in the day, …
Holy Manna (HOLY MANNA) – Eight handbells
The Southern Harmony hymn tune HOLY MANNA, often sung as Brethren, We Have Met to Worship or God, Who Set the Star-Spangled Heavens, here is set for eight handbells in the range C5-C7. We think of a sparkling stream where all of our cares are washed away by God’s love and care, and want to …
Eight-Bell Music
Handbell music requiring just eight bells – surprisingly, perhaps, can be exciting and expressive as well as remarkably challenging. Choraegus is proud to present pieces in this genre for your listening and performing enjoyment! Eight-bell music is more versatile than you might think! Here are some possible ways to play it: … as a two-bells-each …
Rock of Ages (Handbells, 3 octaves, Level 3-)
Rock of Ages is one of the most beloved hymns of all time. It focuses on God’s absolute reliability and how those who put their complete trust in Him possess the salvation that He offers. Rock of Ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in Thee; Let the water and the blood, from Thy …
