In England, it’s important to have bells at your wedding; if you don’t, many think it’s bad luck. So if you’re fortunate enough to book a church with a functioning bell tower, you can request the services of the local tower ringers to bless your new life. There, however, are ceremonies where there’s no carillon …
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!
May 10
Kelvingrove (Handbells, 2-3 octaves, Level 2)
KELVINGROVE is an old Scottish tune. Where it appears in hymnals, it usually is under the title “The Summons”. We know you’ll enjoy playing our handbell arrangement of this melody! Historically, though, it’s a love song sung by a soldier to his love as he strolls with her one last time before he heads to …
May 06
Stowey (handbells, for 3 to 5 octaves, Level 2+)
Our new arrangement of the traditional English melody STOWEY is multipurpose: As the folk melody STOWEY As the hymn When a Knight Won His Spurs: When a knight won his spurs, in the stories of old, He was gentle and brave, he was gallant and bold With a shield on his arm and a lance …
Apr 01
Kingsfold (KINGSFOLD) (Handbells, 3-5 octaves, Level 2)
The English tune KINGSFOLD has been matched with many hymn texts, such as O Sing A Song of Bethlehem, I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say, and I Sing the Mighty Power of God. There are others as well (and probably there are more that will be added to the list!), so as long as …
Mar 29
Vårvindar friska
The post title is “fresh spring winds” in Swedish. It’s a pretty folk song that has been matched with one or two hymn texts more recently. That means it will work well with a variety of opportunities! Our arrangement is Level 3+, and it’s tremendous fun to play! Purchasing the handbell choir version of this …
Mar 11
Sändmannchen – for eight handbells
Johannes Brahms wrote a lullaby that speaks of how the flowers work hard making wonderful scents during the day, and rest at night. A little bit of quietude seems to be a really good idea in today’s world. Perhaps playing and sharing our eight-bell arrangement will bring some peacefulness. Purchasing this 8-bell arrangement gives you …
Jan 18
Skye Boat Song – Twelve-Handbell Version
This soothing, plaintive song is about Prince Charles’ escape to the Isle of Skye after his defeat in the Battle of Culloden in 1746. Today we’re releasing our twelve-bell arrangement of this song. Purchasing this 12-bell arrangement gives you permission to print and maintain up to six copies for your handbell group – so you …
Nov 09
Skye Boat Song – for eight handbells and piano
This soothing, plaintive song is about Prince Charles’ escape to the Isle of Skye after his defeat in the Battle of Culloden in 1746. Our arrangement for eight handbells and piano is fairly easy; you’ll enjoy playing it! Speed, bonnie boat, like a bird on the wing, Onward! the sailors cry; Carry the lad that’s …
Oct 01
Chopsticks – for eight handbells
There’s a famous story about how a little boy found his way onto the great Ignacy Paderewski’s piano bench before a concert, and, oblivious to the audience, began playing Euphemia Allen’s world-famous 1877 hit Chopsticks. The ticket-holders in the seats were shocked, and angrily wanted the child removed. Paderewski, however, walked up behind the bench …
Aug 27
The Spider Song – for eight handbells (and free!)
Okay… we hedged our bets with respect to the title, because this children’s song is called Itsy Bitsy Spider in the US, Incy Wincy Spider in the UK. Fortunately, the hand motions are the same in both places. You’ll have fun with our free eight-bell arrangement!