Handbell Music Review

Volume 15

by Camille Ream

Handbells Etc.

Edmonton, Alberta

 

---

The God of Abraham Praise - arranged by Smith 345 octaves Level 2

 

This is an excellent arrangement of the familiar Hebrew melody Leoni. The melody moves throughout all sections of the choir. Running eighth notes keep the trebles busy. Full chord make this piece sound harder than a level 2. Great piece to impress your congregation or audience.

 

Once in Royal David's City - arranged by Moklebust 345 octaves Level 2 (requires 345 octave handbell bell choir and three octave chime choir or keyboard)

 

This familiar Christmas carol is an excellent opportunity for two groups to join together. Both choir parts are the same level - the chime part being a little bit easier so a youth choir would be able to ring this. The full sound of bells and chimes together is a wonderful sound - try it - you'll like it!

 

Still Still Still - arranged by Larson 3 octaves Level 2+

 

This is one of my favourite Christmas pieces. This arrangement brings in Murray's Away in A Manger carol. It is woven together in a musical fashion that will please any listener.

 

The First Noel - arranged by Dobrinski 345 octaves Level 2+

 

There has not been many arrangements of this piece published in the past few years. This is done in traditional Dobrinski style with lots of techniques and with each verse in different tempo and style.

 

Ding Dong Merrily on High - arranged by Larson 345 octaves Level 3

 

This arrangement combines two lively Christmas Carols - Ding Dong Merrily on High and Ukrainian Bell Carol. With a variety of tempo and key changes, this will challenge your ringers to ring with energy and enthusiasm. To make this piece even better, ensure that all dynamic markings are followed!

 

Serve the Lord with Gladness - arranged by McChesney 345 octaves Level 3

 

Too many times we choose pieces in 4/4 or 3/4 and every so often slip in an piece in 6/8. This pieces will serve as a challenge rhythmically to your ringers and help them ring at the next level! The time signature alternates between 6/8 and 3/4 for the first eight measures, then moves into a 6/8 passage. This exciting pattern repeats itself throughout the piece so once ringers have it, it is easy! Go ahead - give it a try!

 

London Bells - arranged by Winter 3456 octaves (no level)

 

This piece combines "Westminster Chimes" and the nursery rhyme "Oranges and Lemons". After each verse of the nursery rhyme the Westminster Chimes are repeated. Each verse is a variation - the first is in straight time, the second is in a ragtime style and the third is a rumba. A great piece to choose if you are looking for something secular in your repertoire.

 

Bouree by Bach - arranged by Griffin 4567 octaves Level 4

 

This is an excellent arrangement of this familiar music. It is only 70 measures plus repeats but is filled with wonderful eighth note runs and accidentals. It's cut time rhythm makes it more fun!

 

Sky-tinted Waters (A Suite for Handbells) - Moklebust 456 octaves Level 4

 

Cathy Moklebust writes Sky-tinted Waters is a suite for handbells inspired by the beauty and serenity of the lakes throughout the state of Minnesota. The three variation have this music have very different themes. The first movement is quiet and peaceful, the second quick and lively and the final is lilting sailor type song. This will work well for community choirs looking for a bit of a challenge.