Handbell Music Review

Volume 14

by Camille Ream

Handbells Etc.

Edmonton, Alberta

 

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Noels Ringing - Settings by Wood Transcribed by Wagner 345 octaves Level 3

 

Many directors look for a book with Christmas music that has more difficult arrangements but until now, have been able to find only easy Christmas music in books. This is a level 3 Christmas book. Carols include Angels We Have Heard on High, Carol of the Manger, Christmas is Here, Forest Green, In Dulci Jubilo, Infant Holy, Silent Night. Each piece can stand alone. Lorenz has included the coding for organ arrangements that are compatible with the music.

 

Tidings of Great Joy - Arr. Wagner 345 octaves Level 2

 

This is a great piece because it has music that is "sort of familiar" that you don't hear that often at Christmas but when you do, you are pleased. It includes portions for the Christmas part of Handel's Messiah. Pieces include And the Glory of the Lord, He Shall Feed His Flock Like a Shepherd, O Thou That Tellest Good Tidings to Zion, and Unto Us A Child is Born.

 

Christmas Tapestry - Arr. Larson 345 octaves with keyboard Level 3

 

This includes the first verse of Hark the Herald Angels Sing, O Little Town of Bethlehem, Away in a Manger, and O Come All Ye Faithful. It allows for a great opportunity for congregation or audience participation. I especially like the way Larson did the transitions between the pieces.

 

Metamorphosis - Helman 345 octaves 345 octaves of Choirchimes Level 4+

 

JUBILOSO! Bells of Concordia had this in their repertoire this past season. It was my favourite piece. I also played it at Pinnacle in Dallas. It is based on variations of Dies Irae. Its variations can be compared to our lifes as we move from darkness to light and sorrow to joy. Very powerful music!

 

A Joyful Song - Sherman 3456 octaves Level 3

 

This original composition is published to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the American Guild of English Handbell Ringers. Repeated patterns of eighths or sixteenth notes along with marts and malleting make this a challenge. Add the pace of 132 beats per minute and you truly have a joyful piece!

 

Nocturne No. 3 Helman 3456 octaves 34 octaves Choirchimes Level 3

 

Have you had a chance to play any of Michael's other Nocturnes? If not, now is the time to start. This one is just as good as his others! The marking at the beginning is Andante Expressivo - there is no better way to describe what to do. The piece goes at 76 beats per minute but there is an intensity in the melody that will allow ringers to show their true musicianship and colors.

 

Allegro Glorioso (Praise on High) - McMichael 3456 octaves Level 3+

 

This original composition is written by a new composer to the handbell world. It is the winner of the 2004 AGEHR 50th Anniversary National Composition Contest. It really does deserve to win! The music is in cut time at the beginning, moves to a tranquil part (but with more motion and triplets and sixteenth notes) and returns to Tempo 1. Great challenges for all ringers!

 

Song of the Flowers - Mazimaz Ko 345 octaves Level 4

 

This music is based on three Taiwanese folk melodies. The three very different melodies give great contrast to the music and each one presents different challenges to ringers. This is a great "out of the box" kind of pieces to add to your repertoire. Thanks to Lorenz for publishing such a great piece!