Review:      This very flexible arrangement of the beloved carol may be played by bells alone, or together with any or all of the optional forces. A handbell peal accompanied by bell tones in the trumpets is featured in the introduction to this sparkling arrangement. Stanza 1 is fully scored, with the choir in 4 parts. Stanza 2 begins with men’s voices accompanied by low brass, with the upper treble handbells playing a lightly thumb-damped, rhythmic countermelody. The women’s voices and high brass then take the lead, accompanied by malleted bass bells. After a brief interlude, stanza 3 features a descant in the soprano voices and bells. A short, optional ending is provided following the final stanza. Since all the additional parts are optional, this arrangement is a versatile addition to the handbell Christmas repertoire. Key of Eb Major. 90 measures.

Published by: Choristers Guild

Composer: Mendelssohn, Felix	Arranger: Moklebust, Cathy & David	Octaves: 3-7	Level: 3	Rating: Medium	Copyright: Varies by Piece
Season: Christmas
Classification: Church or Concert , Classical Composers , Classical Music , Concert , Full Score , Instrument Part
Technique: Mallet , Pl (Pluck) , TD (Thumb Damp) , Sk (Shake) , Sw (Swing) , LV (Let Vibrate) , Damp Sign
Voicing: SATB , Congregation
Instrument: Organ , Brass Ensemble , Handbells & Voices , Timpani
Bells Used: Three Octaves: 34 Bells; Four Octaves: 44 Bells; Five Octaves: 54 Bells; Six Octaves: 62 Bells; Seven Octaves: 63 Bells