Highland Blessing
This lovely, lyrical, original work reflects Derek's gift for melody, fulfilling harmonies, and expression that are so rewarding to ringers and listeners alike. It is Rung with LV passages throughout and the addition of the optional flute is the icing on this musical cake. The segues and key changes are flawlessly crafted.
Derek shares the details of his creation, which paraphrased, reads: "I find myself inherently drawn to Celtic and Irish music. The 'A' section sounds much like a Scottish or Irish air and the 'B' section closely resembles a hymn, perhaps what one might hear sung in a Highlands church and there are echoes of Scottish tunes throughout."
Derek then included a portion of a Robert Burns poem – "My Heart's in the Highlands" – set to his melody, but written in an accessible vocal range, suggesting it could be sung a capella. Also available is a C-instrument score of the same melody which could be played 'from a hidden location' as an introduction to the bell performance.
The options are many! This is a beautiful work to include in your group's repertoire for use in any sacred or secular event. Please note: The handbells and C instrument are in the keys of A-flat and F major; the vocal solo is in the key of A major (low voice).