Handbell Music Review

Volume 8

by Camille Ream

Handbells Etc.

Edmonton, Alberta

 

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All Glory, Laud and Honor arr. Kinyon

23 octaves Level 1

 

What a great piece for any beginning church choir! This familiar hymn tune is full of quarter notes with lots of opportunities for great dynamic variations. Most of the bells rung throughout the music except for the end where there are some marts, mart lifts and shakes.

 

Let There Be Peace on Earth arr. Sherman

23 octaves Level 2-

 

This familiar tune has been used at many, many memorial services since September 11, 2001. There are three performance options that can be used, depending on what length you need for performance or worship. This meditative music works well for either church or school settings.

 

Festive Variations by Helman

23 or 45 octaves Level 2

 

This is a great original composition by Michael Helman - the two editions are compatible for massed ringing. There is one time signature change. The music is full of a variety of techniques including: ring touch, mallets. and echoes.

 

The Birch Tree arr. Waugh

3 octaves Level 3

 

This music is based on an old Russian tune - a sort of sad, melancholy tune. Because it is secular music, it would work well in a school setting. Children usually like fast music with lots of action and technique - this is a complete contrast so would work well in as a second festival piece.

 

Joyful Contemplation by Edwards

3 or 5 octaves Level 3

 

Another great composition written by Dan Edwards! (I really like his music.) This music is full of joy and fun! There is a great part for bass ringers - eighth notes malleted then plucked and then they take over the melody. There is a really big ending that goes from pp to ff in two measures - a real challenge for any choir! As soon as my church budget is approved, I will be ordering this one.

 

Fur Elise arr. McChesney

45 octaves Level 3

 

I think that I will really like this music on handbells. It lends itself both visually and auditory to the music of handbells. There is a bit of challenge in the music with sixteenth notes in one passage and triplets in another but it is a familiar piece of music to many audiences so would be a great addition to any program

 

Shelter in The Storm by Fortin

456 octaves Level 5

 

This great original music was used as one of the pieces of music for David R. Davidson's All-Star Choirs at Pinnacle 2002. It was also used for the auditions for the new community choir in Edmonton, Alberta. Christopher Fortin's use of a variety of ringing techniques, time and key signature changes gives the ringers and the audience a true sense of "Shelter in the Storm". This will be part of the repertoire for the new Edmonton Handbell Choir.