Johann Franck wrote I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say in the 17th century. The music for his hymn is unusual, because it has a minor key verse and major key refrain. The contrast reflects on how the difficulties of life (minor key) are answered by the love of the Savior (major key). Our two-octave …
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".
Jun 17
How Great Thou Art (O STORE GUD) (Handbells, 2 octaves, Level 2+)
Worshipers love the grandness of the Swedish hymn How Great Thou Art by Carl Gustav Boberg. English-speaking congregants have had the joy of singing it because of Stuart Hine’s translation work. Here’s our two-octave arrangement of this famous hymn. O Lord my God! When I in awesome wonder Consider all the works Thy hand hath …
May 30
Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing (NETTLETON) (Handbells, 2 octaves, Level 2+)
John Wyeth or Asahel Nettleton wrote the hymn tune NETTLETON back in 1813, and the message of the lyrics that are set to it continue to comfort and inspire Christians today. We have a new two-octave arrangement of Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing that’s a very accessible Level 2+. We hope you enjoy playing …
May 09
My Faith Has Found a Resting Place (LANDÅS) (Handbells, 2 octaves, Level 2+)
My Faith Has Found a Resting Place elegantly states the key truth of salvation: It is enough that Jesus died, and that He died for me.” No effort on our part will make a difference either way, because all we need to do is put our trust in Him. Our new arrangement for just two …
Apr 19
Now Thank We All Our God (NUN DANKET) (Handbells, two octaves, Level 3-)
In the U.S., Now Thank We All Our God is one of the hymns that makes an annual appearance in November (because of the national Thanksgiving holiday, of course)… but it really can (should?) be played all year round! Today, we have a new arrangement of this hymn for two octaves of handbells! “Now thank …
Apr 12
Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven (LAUDA ANIMA) (Handbells, two octaves, Level 2+)
The hymn tune LAUDA ANIMA was written by John Goss in 1868, and is married wonderfully with the lyric Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven. Our arrangement of this hymn for two octaves of handbells is from the series of pieces written for the handbell choir of the Third Reformed Church of Holland, Michigan, …
Apr 04
Blessed Assurance (ASSURANCE) (Handbells, 2 octaves, Level 2+)
Blessed Assurance is one of Fanny Crosby’s all-time classic hymns. It speaks of faith, dependence, and triumph through having an absolute reliance on God and His power. Our new arrangement is for two octaves, and will be a welcome addition to your ensemble’s repertoire. Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! O what a foretaste of glory …
Mar 22
Come Down, O Love Divine (DOWN AMPNEY) – for eight handbells and piano
Ralph Vaughan Williams’ compositions are highly regarded across the world. Come Down, O Love Divine (tune: DOWN AMPNEY) is a fine example of his work! Our arrangement for eight accompanied handbells presents this hymn thoughtfully. Come down, O Love divine; seek out this soul of mine, and visit it with Your own ardor glowing. O …
Mar 15
WOODLANDS (Handbells, 2 octaves, Level 2+)
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. Our new two-octave arrangement is Level 2+, so it’s perfect if you have a smaller ensemble or need to …
Mar 09
Lift High the Cross (Handbells, two octaves, Level 2+)
Lift High the Cross undoubtedly is most sung in churches at Easter (and maybe on through Pentecost), but the message of salvation through Christ rings true the whole year round. Our new arrangement, for two octaves of handbells, will be a welcome addition to your repertoire. Refrain: Lift high the cross, the love of Christ …