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”. A la media noche al rigor …
Tag: international music
We admit to using "international music" as a bit of a catch-all for pieces that don't fit into our other categories, such as "hymns", "Christmas", and "classical". But having a catch-all simplifies things a bit, because we might have had to create dozens of other categories otherwise. Think of it as a place to view new vistas!
Ma Navu (How Lovely on the Mountains) – Eight handbells
Ma Navu is the first Jewish song that we played as an eight-bell duet. Its lyrics come from Isaiah 52:7, and the melody is meditative and positively lovely! How pleasant on the mountains are the feet of the messenger of good tidings. How pleasant on the mountains are the feet of the messenger of good …
Eight-Bell International Music
We admit it… our “international music” category is a parking place for the eight-bell arrangements that weren’t hymns, or Christmas carols, or dances, or… But still, it’s a fascinating hodgepodge of music from around the world. Some of these, such as Auld Lang Syne and Happy Birthday, even made it to our list of freebies, …
The Bells of St. Mary’s – Eight handbells
In 1917, Emmett Adams visited St. Mary’s Cathedral in Southampton, England, and was inspired to write The Bells of St. Mary’s. It was later used in a 1945 movie by the same name. The movie may not have done as well as hoped, but the song has been well-remembered! The bells of St. Mary’s / …
Aura Lee – Eight handbells
Aura Lee is a Civil War love song. Elvis Presley made this tune famous as Love Me Tender, and that’s why it’s popular at weddings. As the blackbird in the spring / ‘neath the willow tree sat and piped I heard him sing / praising Aura Lee. Aura Lee! Aura Lee! Maid of golden hair …
Waltzing Matilda – Eight handbells
Australia is famous for its outback, where the hardly and adventurous sometimes go it alone, perhaps as a rite of passage. Interestingly, Waltzing Matilda isn’t about a girl – it’s about walking through the bush (“waltzing”) with your bag (Matilda) slung over your shoulder! Once a jolly swagman camped by a billabong, Under the shade …
Music for the Royal Fireworks – Eight handbells
G.F. Handel was commissioned to write a celebratory suite by King George II in 1749. This “surprisingly easy” arrangement of Music for the Royal Fireworks is just a small part of the greater work! “Surprisingly Easy”™ Version: ”Dual-Range”™ Score Package: $ US G5-based practice track: $ US F5-based practice track: $ US This arrangement is …
Morag’s Cradle Song – Eight handbells
Morag’s Cradle Song, is a gentle lullaby from Scotland. Here’s our “Surprisingly Easy”™ eight-bell arrangement. Would she were here, my little one Would she were here, my joy my treasure Would she were here, my little one Blue her eye, as skies in summer Sweet her smile as flower at blooming Soft her cheek, as …
Land of Hope and Glory – Eight handbells
Also to known by the title Pomp and Circumstance, this famous Elgar processional Land of Hope and Glory provides the musical backdrop for many ceremonies and celebrations. Here’s our “surprisingly easy” eight-bell arrangement. Land of Hope and Glory, Mother of the Free, How shall we extol thee, who are born of thee? Wider still, and …
Iona Boat Song – Eight handbells
Iona Boat Song was the funerary song of the kings of Scotland as they rowed to their final resting place by monks. Here’s our “surprisingly easy” eight-bell arrangement. Softly glide we along, Softly chant we our song, For a king who to resting is come; Oh, beloved and best, Thou art fairing out west, To …
