Handbell Music Review
Volume 5
by Camille Ream
Handbells Etc.
Edmonton, Alberta
 
Lullaby of the Iroquois
By Thomson
345 Octaves
Level 2
 
This original piece of music was written by Patricia Thomson from Saskatchewan and won the Canadian Composition contest for the 9th International Handbell Symposium in Birmingham, England in August 2000. It is based on a poem written by Pauline Johnson, a Metis poet and entertainer from Upper Canada (Ontario). In Birmingham, the poem was read during the background music at the beginning of the music. It was very effective. This piece could be used in both school and church settings.
 
Reunir
By Payn
45 Octaves
level 4+
 
Reunir means to reunite and that all faiths can work together in music. This original piece of music, full of dynamics and passion, has great depth. If played well, it will bring tears to the listener's eyes. It was first published in 1992 and is about a level 4+.
 
Rondo Passacaglia
By Dobrinski
45 Octaves
 
This original handbell music was first published in 1986. It has become a classic for handbell ringers around the world. It was chosen as one of the "Favorites" at the Canadian Festival - "Ringing Link" this past July. It was recently played at the International Symposium in Birmingham in August at a miniconcert. It was played with exuberance and energy and left the audience smiling.
 
Towers
By Moklebust
345 Octaves
Level 3+
 
This music is based on Change Ringing - the first 19 measures of this piece is a "plain hunt" beginning and ending with rounds (a major descending scale). The music is full of different changes and must be played up to tempo with confidence to be really effective. This would be a great way to start a worship service or a concert.
 
Meditation
By Edwards
23 Octaves
Level 2
 
This peaceful meditative music is acceptable for almost any setting. It has a simple and soothing melody line that has wonderful phrasing. It has a few thumb damps, a couple of swings as well as a gyro. Dan Edwards has done a wonderful job on creating this "Meditation".
 
Variations on Zacchaeus
Arr. Waldrop
23 Octaves
Level 2+
 
This music is based on the music "Zacchaeus Was a Wee Little Man" that some of you will remember learning about in Sunday School. Tammy Waldrop has used her creativity to make this music lots of fun. The music starts with a fanfare, moves to a"bouncy" section with TD, mallets and the occasional mart. It then moves to a "Bluesy" section and then becomes "merry". She then adds in some "Island" beat, a slow and dramatic section and then ends with shakes, marts and RT!
 
Infant Holy Infant Lowly
Arr. Moklebust
23 Octaves
Level 2
 
This arrangement of this traditional Polish carol is a wonderful addition to your Christmas repertoire. The melody flows from the treble to the bass/tenor bells. Most of the notes are within the two octave range so it can easily be played with 7 or 8 ringers. This can really be helpful at Christmas when you are have a ringer or two away.
 
Coventry Carol
Arr. Page
345 Octaves Handbells & 2 Octaves Choirchimes®
Level 3-
 
I always try and choose at least one piece for the Christmas season that is not very commonly heard. Coventry Carol, although familiar to many people, is not in many hymnaries or heard on many radio stations. The music is full of moving eighth notes that give the listener the soothing feeling of a lullaby. The addition of Choirchimes® for the melody really adds to the texture of the music.