Frere Jacques (Brother John)
This song is also known in English as "Brother John". It is about a monk waking up to ring monastery and church bells to call people to the very first church service of the day. In the medieval monastery, the bells calling people to the service were known as matines or matins. This arrangement, in theme and variations form, contains some syncopated rhythms and eighth-note chord sequences in the treble clef that may require additional practice for newer ringers.
Part of the French Folk Song Suite for Handbells, this piece may be played alone or in combination with any of the other pieces in the Suite. Titles in the Suite are: "Allouette", "Au Claire de la Lune", "Sur le Pont d’Avignon", and "Frère Jacques".