Handbell Music Review
Volume 11
by Camille Ream
Handbells Etc.
Edmonton, Alberta
 

Spacious Firmament 2345 octaves Level 1

Arr. Ingram
 
This segment from Haydn's Creation is written for anything from 2 to 5 octave choirs. Although it is a level 1, it has potential to sound like a higher level because of the fullness of the arrangement.
 
O Come, Little Children 23 octaves Level 1
Arr. Helman
 
I always like it when arrangers combine two pieces in one - seems like a great deal! This music starts out very simply with O Come Little Children - the arrangement has a child-like innocence with half notes on beats one and three and thumbdamps on beats two and four. The middle section adds the carol Angels We Have Heard on High. The arrangement does have some marts in it which need to be soft and together to fit in with the angel theme. The very last line of the piece combines the two carols into a grand ending.
 
A Bit of Mozart 23 octaves Level 1
Arr. Elery Rogers
 
This is great because you get three pieces for the price of one! This will work well in schools or churches. Included in this music is Ave Verum, Arietta, and a portion of Eine Kleine Nacht Music. Due to the various natures of these pieces, this music would be great at a festival or at any church or school venue.
 
Cherry Blossom Song 3 octaves Level 2- Opt windchimes, finger cymbal and flute/recorder
Arr. Stephenson
 
This music well known to many handbell ringers as Sakura. Up until recently, Sakura was only available in a 4 octave version. Thanks to Genesis Press, it is now available for 3 octaves. This music is oriental so has some harmonies that are different than we are used to hearing. It is a great piece to help expose ringers to music from other countries.
 
O Ring and Be Joyful 23 octaves Level 2+ optional Choirchimes®.
By Baltzer Kinyon
 
It is easy to be joyful when ringing this arrangement. This music will stretch the ringers who are used to ringing level 2 music. It offers bell changes, rhythm changes as well as key signature and even a time change. Another great piece for a festival!
 
Shepherds, Wby This Jubilee! 345 octaves Level 3 optional Choirchimes®
Arr. Afdahl
This music combines Angels We Have Heard on High, In the Bleak Midwinter and Hark! the Herald Angels Sing. There is some great malleting work to be done with the bass bells in Angels We Have Heard on High. In the Bleak Midwinter is in 3/4 time with flowing eighth notes in the bass. Bass mallets return in Hark the Herald Angels Sing. Bells and chimes then alternate for a great finale.
 
He Leadeth Me Solo B4-A6
Arr. Miller
 
This wonderful old hymn has a fantastic piano arrangement which makes the piece become a great solo instead of ordinary. The solo part includes running eighth notes almost the entire second page - a great chance for ringers to practice weaving, dampening and phrasing!
 
In Thee is Gladness Duet G4-G6
Arr. Geschke
 
Another old hymn tune - this time for two bell ringers and no piano accompaniment. The flowing nature of the melody makes this a great piece for beginning duet ringers.
 
O Holy Night Quartet with C instrument 3 octaves Level Medium
Arr. Lamb
 
This arrangement has a bell quartet ringing the accompaniment and a C instrument playing the melody or a descant part. This way this piece can be rung on Christmas Eve when you are short a few ringers! What a great idea! Hope there are more pieces like this being published.