Review:
The tune
Orientis Partibus is given a quaint, modal treatment reminiscent of the earliest use of this melody: as a donkey carol in which the congregation sang "Hail, Sir Donkey!" in honor of the work it did carrying Mary to Bethlehem. Grace notes mimic the donkey's braying. The ringers process while playing simple patterns, then play the body of the piece when at the tables. Although the hand drum, finger cymbals, and tambourine are optional, the piece sounds markedly better when they are included. While the tune is best known as the Christmas song "The Friendly Beasts," it has Lenten and Easter uses as well, making the arrangement a fine piece for Palm Sunday or Easter. It is 60 measures in length.
Published by:
Morning Star Music Publishers
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Composer:
Medieval French Melody
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Arranger:
Peery, Charles E.
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Octaves:
3-5
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Level:
2
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Rating:
Easy
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Copyright:
2009
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Season:
Christmas
, Palm Sunday
, Easter
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Classification:
Church or Concert
, Instrument Part
, Processionals
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Technique:
Martellato
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Voicing:
Handbells, No Choral
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Instrument:
Percussion
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Bells Used:
Three Octaves: 28 Bells; Four Octaves: 36 Bells; Five Octaves: 41 Bells
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