Handbell Music Review

Volume 7

by Camille Ream

Handbells Etc.

Edmonton, Alberta

 

These music reviews include music published in 2001 and feature newer or lesser known composers and arrangers.

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Chime Lullaby (alternate worship title "Cradle Lullaby") by Lynne Hollander

23 octaves Level 1

 

This lullaby's lovely lilting melody starts in the middle bells, moves to the upper base and then to the treble bells. There are lots of full chords with repeated quarter notes which will work really well for a beginning choir. Just make sure that beat one has a slight stress on it so that both ringers and listeners can feel the rocking motion. The arrangement lends itself to be played on both Choirchimes® or handbells.

 

 

Jesus Shall Reign arr. Eithun

3 octaves Level 2-

 

This familiar worship tune is a great arrangement - especially for those choirs that are ready to move from level 1 to level 2. Techniques include Marts, LVs and one Shake. It's a very exciting arrangement that, if played with exuberance (as the arranger suggests) will be received by the congregation with great enthusiasm.

 

In the Bleak Midwinter arr. Eithun

3 octaves Level 2

 

This Christmas tune is a favourite of mine. It needs an unhurried pace for it to be performed correctly. Try to match the dynamics with words of the music. You might want to have the congregation follow along with the words in the hymnary. The arrangement lends itself to be played on both Choirchimes® or handbells.

 

Carols of the Manger arr. Schram

345 octaves Level 3

 

These carols include Infant Holy, Infant Lowly, Away in the Manger (Kirkpatrick and Murray tune), and Coventry Carol. Schram asks that you play the four bar introduction "playfully" - these same four bars are used as the interlude between the different pieces.

 

Primrose arr. Yoshida

3 octaves Level 3-

 

This original Handbells piece has a wonderful soothing melody accompanied by a broken arpeggios. The music fills out with a chordal accompaniment that leads to a double forte section. Within the last four measures, the dynamics go all the way from forte to triple piano! The music will really give your choir a chance to play musically. The arrangement lends itself to be played on both Choirchimes® or handbells.

 

 

Christmas Processional and Medley arr. Hall

345 octaves Level 3 Opt. Choirchimes®

 

The pealing bells at the beginning makes this a great processional that would work well in a church setting or to begin a concert. The Christmas carols that are included are: Joy to the World, Hark! Hark the Herald Angels Sing and Angels We Have Heard on High. Hall has included a great Choirchime® part in Angels We Have Heard on High, The music ends with more bells pealing with lots of eighth notes and lots of Let Vibrates. I will be rehearsing this piece with the Resounding Joy Handbells choir and plan to ring it throughout the Christmas season. I think it is one of those pieces that your ringers will enjoy enough that they would be willing to ring this over and over again throughout the Christmas season.

 

Broken For You by Wissinger

345 octaves Level 3

 

This original handbell composition has a calming, soothing melody that must be played with expression and passion. The most challenging part of this piece is to play it slow enough and with enough dynamics that both the ringers and the listeners will feel the music and its meaning deep in their hearts and souls.

 

To Snow or Not to Snow by Wissinger

345 octaves Level 3+

 

This original Christmas composition is a great audience pleaser! Congratulations Kathleen Wissinger! This arrangement goes at a great pace and includes lots of techniques. Perform it well and then let the audience tell you whether it snowed or not!