O Love, How Deep, How Broad, How High attempts the impossible task of describing God’s transcendent qualities in mere human words. You can’t explain His eternity in a finite amount of time, nor His omniscience with limited experience, nor his holiness from a sinner’s point of view. Se just have to give it all we …
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".
Mar 03
My Shepherd Will Supply My Need (RESIGNATION) (Handbells, two octaves, Level 2)
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 two-octave arrangement will give your congregation an opportunity to reflect on these wonderful truths! My Shepherd will supply my need, Jehovah …
Feb 20
That Easter Day with Joy was Bright (Handbells, 2 octaves, Level 2+)
That Easter Day with Joy was Bright is sung to the 15th century hymn tune PUER NOBIS. It’s traditionally sung for Easter, but can be played for Advent as On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry. Our new arrangement for two octaves will work well with your ensemble, because it’s a very accessible Level 2+. That …
Feb 17
Come Thou Almighty King (ITALIAN HYMN) – Eight handbells
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. Our arrangement for eight handbells provides excitement with a moderate technical challenge, so you …
Jan 16
Amazing Grace – Twelve handbells, version 2
I suppose that, given there are a finite number of hymn tunes in existence, that at some point there will arise the opportunity to make a second (or third, or…) arrangement of a melody that’s been done previously. Today, we’re publishing Amazing Grace! This new arrangement inhabits the same webpage as the first one, except …
Jan 05
I Wonder as I Wander – Eight handbells
In 1933, John Jacob Niles heard a bit of music from Annie Morgan, a Appalachian girl, and used it as the basis of his song “I Wonder as I Wander”. It brings out the mystery of Christmas in a way unique to the celebration of Christ’s birth. This medium difficulty arrangement for eight handbells provides …
Dec 18
He is Born (IL EST NÉ) – Eight handbells
The French carol He is Born celebrates the birth of the Christ Child calmly and innocently. However, matters change when this pretty melody crosses over the Channel to be expressed as a lively jig! Our arrangement of IL EST NÉ, done Irish style, will fascinate and challenge you. Have fun! Refrain: Il est né le …
Oct 28
A la Media Noche – Twelve handbells
Living in this world means getting to rub shoulders with people from many different cultures. We’ve learned that there’s a rich heritage that our Hispanic friends have to share with us. Here’s a carol from Puerto Rico, the title of which, A la media noche, translates to “at midnight”. Our new twelve-bell arrangement presents the …
Oct 23
Eternal Father, Strong to Save (MELITA) (Handbells, 2 octaves, plus handchimes, 2 octaves, Level 3)
Eternal Father, Strong to Save, also known in the United States as “The Navy Hymn” speaks of the dangers of life and how they must submit to the power and authority of God. Its serious character gives assurance in the direst time, and reminds us of our everlasting need for the protection of the Creator. …
Oct 20
Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day (OLD CORNISH CAROL) (Handbells, 2 octaves, Level 3-)
[Tomorrow Shall Be] My Dancing Day tells the story of salvation from Christ’s point of view. This makes the lyrics a bit mystical, because it draws in quite a lot of soteriological (soteriology = “doctrine of salvation”) in the form of Biblical references. However, it presents these references charmingly, because they’re all focused on the …