The tune NUN KOMM, DER HEIDEN HEILAND has been creatively set for an organ prelude and a procession with handbells, and chimes or percussion. The tempo is slow and the mood is free, almost chant-like.
Composer: Walther, Johann Arranger: McIntyre, John Octaves: 3 Level: 2 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Easy
The tunes ROYAL OAK and KUORTANE are used in this two-piece folio. Both are straightforward arrangements with full texture and use of special techniques.
Composer: Various Arranger: McChesney, Kevin Octaves: 3-5 Level: 2+ Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Easy
"For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands." This text from Isaiah 55:12 is the inspiration for this original composition, which includes treble ringers clapping along with the bass ringers introduction!
Composer: Afdahl, Lee J. Arranger: Octaves: 3-5 Level: 3 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Medium
The introduction of this arrangement is 19 measures long and plays upon the melodic material found in the chorus of this carol. Level two ringers should have no problem with the fun shakes and swings found also in the introduction.
Composer: Gloria Arranger: Krentz, M. Octaves: 3-4 Level: 2 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Easy Medium
Composer: Johnson, David Octaves: 3 Level: NA Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating:
Easy unison anthem in compound meter. A 4 note repeated bell pattern may be played with 1 or 2 ringers.
Composer: Wold/Saward Arranger: Octaves: 2 Level: NA Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Easy
Simplicity best describes this chordal arrangement. LV arpeggios in treble clef on conclude the final verse.
Composer: Arranger: Larson, K. J. Octaves: 3-4 Level: 1 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Easy
An interesting Christmas anthem with alternative accompaniments, this score begins with women's voices in cut time under organ accompaniment. Later full SATB choir is required. Ties across the bar line are prevalent. Measures total 78.
Composer: Schalk, C. Arranger: Octaves: 3-4 Level: NA Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Easy
This piece has been written to be played with bells and flute but instructions are given for performance with handbells alone. However, please note that if the flute is not used, four octaves of handbells are needed.
Composer: Arranger: Larson, K. J. Octaves: 3-4 Level: NA Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Easy Medium
2 separate pieces, "Blessing and Honor", an arrangement of the tune AMERICAN HYMN and "Hallelujah! Jesus Lives", an arrangement of the tune FRED TIL BOD.
Composer: Various Arranger: McFadden, Jane Octaves: 3-5 Level: NA Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Easy
This arrangement of "Borning Cry" is a wonderful tune enhanced with arpeggios and simple harmonic structure.
Composer: Ylvisaker Arranger: Larson, K. J. Octaves: 3-4 Level: NA Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Easy Medium
A work of celebration arranged for congregation, three octaves of handbells, organ, optional choir and optional trumpet and based on the German hymn tune, Kirken den er et gammelt Hus.
Composer: Arranger: Linker, J.McFadden, J. Octaves: 3 Level: 2+ Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Easy Medium
Cantabile has a beautiful lyric melody over an arpeggiated accompaniment. "Scherzando" is quick and playful.
Composer: Moklebust, C. Arranger: Octaves: 3-5 Level: 4 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Medium
Lots of bounce flavors this arrangement of the Latin tune Cantad al Senor (which is translated "Oh, Sing to the Lord"). Fully scored with optional percussion, ringers will get a workout on staccato techniques.
Composer: Brazilian folk tune Arranger: McChesney, K. Octaves: 2-5 Level: 3 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Medium
"Carol of the Advent" combines a Besancon carol with text from "The Children's Bells" by Eleanor Farjeon. Two octaves of bells alone accompany SATB choir. The piece may be familiar as the hymn "People Look East."
Composer: Arranger: Hurd, D. Octaves: 2 Level: 2 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Easy
This bright and lively arrangement of the hymn "Bright and Glorious is the Sky" uses LV, Mart, TD, PL and BD. Tempo continually increases to the end.
Composer: Arranger: Larson, K. J. Octaves: 3-4 Level: 4 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Medium
This composition is based, in part, on Bach's "Suite No. 1 (Prelude) for Unaccompanied Cello" and is reflective in its character. The challenge comes in the many ritards, accelerandos and other tempo changes.
Composer: Emiliani, R. Arranger: Octaves: 3-5 Level: 3 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Medium
A medley which includes "O Come, Little Children; Away in the Manger; & Your Little Ones, Dear Lord." Numerous meter and tempo changes. Alternate ending for 4 octave choirs.
Composer: Various Arranger: Larson, K. J. Octaves: 3-4 Level: 3 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Medium
Optional flute and 2 octaves of handbells provide additional accompaniment to this blending of the carols "Away in a Manger," and "O Jesu Sweet." The flute and bell parts are available on the Augsburg Fortress web site given on the vocal anthem.
Composer: American Arranger: Kinyon, Barbara B. Octaves: 2 Level: NA Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Easy Medium
A lengthy, fanfare opening leads into a straight-forward setting of the hymn tune AURELIA. This is followed by a staccato passage and then by a section of echo technique. The end is big with the fanfare motive and shook high treble chords.
Composer: Aurelia Arranger: McChesney, K. Octaves: 3-5 Level: 2 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Easy
Hymn tunes JEFFERSON and VENI, EMMANUEL are combined in this setting for 3 octaves.
Composer: Various Arranger: Biggs, Susan Octaves: 3 Level: 2 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Easy
"Covenant" is a setting of Exodus 19:3-6 for voices and instruments. The music is based on a pentatonic scale, uses contrasting vocal and instrumental forces, and includes an optional retrain for the congregation.
Composer: Yarrington. J. Octaves: 3 Level: NA Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating:
This original composition could have easily been named "Cross Meters!". Energy and shifting emphasis is achieved through the changing from 4/4 to 7/8 to 6/8 and in no particular pattern! Other drive comes from the mallets on tabled bells and martellatos in the middle section. A worthy challenge.
Composer: Tucker, S. Octaves: 3-5 Level: 4+ Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Medium Advance
Two moderately difficult arrangements are included in this two-selection folio. The tunes REST and REPTON (more commonly known as "Dear Lord and Father of Mankind") are presented in the first selection and LANCASHIRE (commonly known as "Lead On, O King Eternal") in the second.
Composer: Various Arranger: Afdahl, Lee J. Octaves: 3, 5 or 6 Level: 3+ Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Medium
Text based on Psalm 103. Bells accompany congregation and choir in a quiet, prayerful anthem.
Composer: Sullivan Arranger: Honore, J. Octaves: 2 Level: NA Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Easy
The traditional carol is here arranged for SATB and 3 octaves of bells. The vocal parts are meant to be accompanied by bells alone, but the bell part may be played on the keyboard.
Composer: Arbeau, T. Arranger: Dicke, M. Octaves: 3-4 Level: 2 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Easy
"Slowly and mournfully" are the words that describe this somber octavo written by Sam Owens. The text begins, "Drop, drop, slow tears, Drop drop, slow tears, And bathe those beauteous feet,"
Composer: Fletcher, P Arranger: Owens, S Octaves: 3 Level: NA Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Easy
A fanfare opening leads into a bouncy, staccato passage with the melody played by handchimes (2 octaves are needed). A slower section follows with bell changes in all registers. The tempo picks up again and drives to the ending shake and ring touch.
Composer: Arranger: Organ, Anne K. Octaves: 3 Level: 2 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating:
"Elegy" is a versatile, melodic composition which may be performed as a handbell piece, bells and solo instrument, or as a bell solo with keyboard accompaniment.
Composer: Nelson, S. Arranger: Octaves: 2 Level: 2 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Easy
Festive, lyric, exciting, challenging! The driving 8th note accompaniment below a lyric, syncopated melody is beautiful and challenging. The middle section is slower but lyric.
Composer: Moklebust, C. Arranger: Octaves: 4-5 Level: 5 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Advance
All manner of special effects including 2 optional handchimes (E6 and E7), rainstick, finger cymbal and random ringing are scored to make the implication of the title a reality. However, this is NOT a rain storm, but more of a gentle, soaking rain. However, there are some passages with mart lifts for emphasis, but overall this original composition reflects the scripture in its sub-title: Isaiah 55:10.
Composer: Afdahl, Lee J. Arranger: Octaves: 3 or 5 Level: 4 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating:
Four Christmas hymn settings for piano and four ringers (handbells or chimes) by Anne Krentz Organ, following the popular "Four by Four: Hymns" volume. These pieces don't require much rehearsal time and are very enjoyable to put together for worship, Christmas Eve, or Christmas Day services.
Composer: Various Arranger: Organ, Anne Krentz Octaves: 3 Level: NA Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Easy Medium
The fourth collection in this series by Anne Krentz Organ features four Easter hymn tunes set for piano and four handbell or handchime ringers. These joyful settings can easily be learned by most ringers, yet the writing is engaging and gratifying for both ringers and pianist.
Composer: Various Arranger: Krentz, Anne Octaves: 3 Level: NA Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Easy Medium
This collection includes 4 beautiful hymn settings for piano and four ringers (handbells or chimes) by Anne Krentz Organ. The hymn tunes included are Adoro Te Devote, Kingsfold, Land of Rest, and Le Ping. They may be used with a variety of different hymns.
Composer: Various Arranger: Various Octaves: 3 Level: NA Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Easy Medium
Anne Krentz Organ continues this popular series of music for piano and four ringers (handbells or chimes) with a second volume based on general hymn tunes.
The longest work is only 52 measures and some of the selections include optional chimes. A good folio to take to the mall, or retirement home or any "bell outing" at Christmas time.
Composer: Various Arranger: Young, P. Octaves: 3-5 Level: 3 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Medium