Handbell Music Review

Volume 3

by Camille Ream

Handbells Etc.

Edmonton, Alberta

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Canon of Joy Arr. Diluzio 3 Octaves Level 1

 

Based on Pachelbel's Canon in D, this arrangement is full but simple enough for beginning ringers. The ringers will need to be able to play eighth notes.

 

 

Here I Am, Lord Arr. Sherman 345 Octaves Level 2 Opt. Choirchimes®

 

This well known Catholic hymn is now included in the United Church Hymnary Voices United. The publisher suggests that this selection may be presented in a number of ways. It can be performed on handbells alone, handbells and optional Choirchimes®, handbells and SATB voices or handbells and unison voices.

 

 

Fairest Lord Jesus Arr. Kauffmann 3 Octaves Level 2+

 

This starts out very simply with quarter notes. Upper and lower bells are not very busy on the first page. On the second page, they come in with the melody (I might try to use Choirchimes® for the melody). Lots of bell changes for whoever plays A5 and B5! This is a very nice arrangement of this familiar melody.

 

 

Christ the Lord Is Risen Today Arr. Geschke 3 Octaves Level 3

 

This is a very energetic arrangement on another familiar hymn. It begins with fanfare type music and then quickly moves into the familiar hymn. The next section uses marts and martlifts in the accompaniment. It moves back into the regular hymn music and finishes up with full chords and ends with a mart!

 

 

Let Your Praises Ring By Kinyon 23 Octaves Level 3+

 

It is good to see some two octave music coming out that is more challenging. There are not many 2/3 octave pieces that are a level 3+. With key changes and a variety of techniques throughout the music, all ringers will need to be on their toes! Audiences will enjoy hearing you ring your praises!

 

 

Fantasy No. 2 By Helman 345 Octaves Level 4-

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Michael has been busy this last while! Each ringer will be busy in this original piece of music. It is an ABA format with the A section being allegro paced and full of syncopation, notes and various techniques. The B section is marked andante expressivo. A great piece for those choirs who want more of a challenge!

 

 

Heaven's Rest By Nelson 3456 Octaves Level 2 Opt. Choirchimes® and C Instrument

 

This original composition has a wonderful lilt to it. The running eighth notes at the beginning give a wonderful flowing start to the music. C4 to D5 Choirchimes® are used in this piece. If you don't have Choirchime® then make sure that you use a C instrument to add extra flavor to this piece.

 

 

Four Processionals By McFadden 345 Octaves Level 2

Processionals are a great way to start any concert or church service. The first processional is 8 measures repeated. It is slow and stately. There is 14 more measures of music to play once you get to the tables. The second processional is likely more at Level 3 but has the same format as the first one. The last two processionals are set up a little differently. Once the ringers reach the table, there are only a few measures until the piece ends.

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