Our “standard” eight-bell Holy Manna was the very first score we published. Now we have a “Surprisingly Easy”™ version that you can enjoy! Purchasing this 8-bell score gives you permission to print and maintain up to four copies for your handbell group (plus the accompaniment/instrumental score(s), if part of the purchase) – so you …
Tag: hymn
Hymns are the musical substance of the traditional church. They typically have high doctrinal content with classical/choral music. Many of the older (up to the 20th century) were written with four choral parts for choirs to sing.
Modern hymnals go beyond this definition, however, because continuing history provides more and more choices of music for worship. New hymnals include more international and contemporary songs as well. This is in keeping with the definition "hymn: a religious song or poem of praise to God".
Jul 24
Come Thou Almighty King (ITALIAN HYMN) – Eight handbells, “Surprisingly Easy”™ version
Come, Thou Almighty King is a grand hymn about our need for the Lord to have our loyalty. The tune ITALIAN HYMN was written in 1769 by Felice de Giardini, who had a thoroughgoing musical career as a violinist and composer. We published a “standard” eight-bell arrangement of this hymn sometime ago, and today we …
Jul 19
Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing – “Surprisingly Easy”™ eight-bell version!
Quite a few years back, we started writing our “Surprisingly Easy”™ arrangements to provide a less demanding approach to our eight-bell music. We were pleased to see that many duets/trios/quartets tried them, both as a way to prepare something for their church services or concerts and as an introduction to small ensemble playing. Many, many …
Jul 14
I Surrender All – Eight handbells
Judson Van DeVenter, the writer of I Surrender All, shared a heartfelt message that Christians have expressed time and time again for centuries. William S. Weeden write the hymn tune that many of us know well. Our new version of this classic hymn of dedication presents the hymn tune SURRENDER in a signable fashion. All …
Jun 30
Every Time I Feel the Spirit – Twelve handbells
The African-American spiritual Every Time I Feel the Spirit represents a bit of rich musical history. Many such spirituals had their origin from a time when and a place where injustice and oppression was chronic. In such circumstances, hope came from knowing that God still watched over His children, no matter where they were. Here’s …
Jun 29
Brother James’ Air – Twelve handbells
In 1913, James Leith Macbeth Bain composed a melody to go with the words of the 23rd Psalm; it’s recognized as BROTHER JAMES’ AIR. The tune lilts gently, reflecting on the peace and hope this psalm has given to many generations. Our arrangement for twelve handbells is available in three keys (C#5-G5, B5-F5, and F#5-C7) …
Jun 05
All Things Bright and Beautiful (ROYAL OAK) (Handbells, 2 octaves, Level 2)
Cecil Frances Alexander wrote All Things Bright and Beautiful in 1849. The joyous text and its happy melody are perfectly matched! If your ensemble is on the smaller side, this two-octave arrangement is for you! All things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small, All things wise and wonderful, the Lord God made them …
May 28
We Place Upon Your Table, Lord (DISTRESS) – Eight handbells
Walker’s Southern Harmony (1835) contains many hymns of the day. We Place Upon Your Table, Lord celebrates the Lord’s Supper, reminding us of how the simple elements bread and wine direct us to reflect and act on the profundity of the eternal life that Christ gives us. This short and simple, yet elegant, arrangement for …
May 08
It Is Well With My Soul (VILLE DU HAVRE) (Handbells, 2 octaves, Level 2+)
The story behind “It Is Well With My Soul” by Horatio Spafford and Philip Bliss – look it up – testifies of the incredible peace God gives through our faith in Him, and how He continues to give that comfort to believers today. It’s amazing how one man’s experience and faith can touch the hearts …
May 05
Adoro Te Devote – Eight handbells
The Latin plainchant Adoro Te Devote dates back to the 13th century. Our arrangement for eight handbells works well as an introit, or to enhance a thoughtful time during your church service. It is one of the five Eucharistic hymns composed and set to music for the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, instituted in 1264 by …