César Franck was a highly respected French organ master and composer. He was known to use more of a ‘piano technique’ on the organ resulting in a more legato style which is quite apparent in this gentle, melancholy "Prélude". It adapts beautifully for handbells and it was tempting to include many more phrase markings than appear in the score. However, the expressions are immediately apparent and ringers may find themselves taking a breath with those phrases, as though singing this lovely work. It is ‘Rung’ throughout and includes many expressive dynamics. 50 measures scored in the key of b minor.