This original work is a musical dialogue between a Brass ensemble and a Handbell choir. Their bantering with changing time signatures and unexpected harmonic choices ultimately produces a rousing opening concert piece. The title was created using letters from Brass and Handbells.
Composer: Johnson, Matt Octaves: 3 Level: NA Publisher: Dolce & Nuit Productions Rating: Medium Advance
This arrangement incorporates four familiar Christmas carols, presented simply ... with some harmonic variations for interest.
Composer: Multiple Arranger: Johnson, Matt Octaves: 2 Level: NA Publisher: Dolce & Nuit Productions Rating: Easy Medium
The traditional spiritual is given a contemporary, slow swing treatment in this arrangement for 8 ringers. Syncopated rhythms, unusual harmonies, and the use of martellatos, martellato lifts, and shakes make this a fun arrangement for ringers and audiences alike.
Composer: Traditional Spiritual Arranger: Johnson, Matt Octaves: 3 Level: NA Publisher: Dolce & Nuit Productions Rating: Easy Medium
This intimate adaptation features melodic handbells floating above the harmonic swirls of the piano. On the recording, elegantly sparse orchestration frames the hypnotic rhythm and lulls the listener into a peaceful mood.
Composer: Hymn Tune Arranger: Johnson, Matt Octaves: 3 Level: NA Publisher: Dolce & Nuit Productions Rating: Medium Advance
Intended as a dramatic musical opening for a service or concert, the first 16 measures may be repeated as a processional until all ringers are at the tables and ready to perform the rest of the piece.
Composer: Johnson, Matt Octaves: 5 Level: NA Publisher: Dolce & Nuit Productions Rating: Medium Advance
This arrangement overlaps two familiar carols, "Silent Night" and "Away in a Manger", thus the title.
Composer: Multiple Arranger: Johnson, Matt Octaves: 3 Level: NA Publisher: Dolce & Nuit Productions Rating: Easy Medium
This arrangement of "Silent Night" is written as a piano solo with optional handbells doubling the melody; however, it would be equally as effective as a from-the-table handbell solo. The flowing piano part supports the elongated melody while the gentle ebb and flow of the tempo allows for interpretive freedom in both the piano part and the handbell part.
Composer: Gruber, Franz Arranger: Johnson, Matt Octaves: 3 Level: NA Publisher: Dolce & Nuit Productions Rating: Easy
This conceptual musical work uses 'hidden' handbells to surprise listeners and is most effective at times when handbells are unexpected. Eight or more ringers may participate. No director is needed to conduct so there is no visual spoiler. The rhythms and/or pitches may be changed as needed for each performance.
Composer: Johnson, Matt Octaves: 3 Level: NA Publisher: Dolce & Nuit Productions Rating: Easy
This medley for handbell quartet with piano accompaniment contains the hymns "Let Us Break Bread Together" and "One Bread, One Body".