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Series Title: Red River Gold
(Red River Music)
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Song Title |
Composer(s) |
Arranger(s) |
Octaves |
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Andante |
Handel, George Frederick |
Mathis, William H. |
4-6 |
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Review: William Mathis uses a combination of handbells and harp (or handbells and keyboard) to make the music of George Frederick Handel sparkle.
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Autumn Leaves |
Kosma, Joseph |
Handley, Andrea |
3-7 |
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Review: Joseph Kosma wrote the original, Johnny Mercer added English lyrics, and now Andrea Handley brings this wonderful jazz standard to handbells. This new addition to the Red River Gold series is well worth the work.
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Bell Carol Fantasy |
Ukranian carol |
Sherman, Arnold B. |
5-6 |
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Review: This setting of the traditional Ukranian bell carol begins with a syncopated vamp that gradually builds to the entrance of the tune in measure 25. Shakes dominate the special effects and add excitement.
Part of the Red River Gold Series.
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Blue Christmas |
Hays, Bill and Johnson, Jay |
Morris, Hart |
5-6 |
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Review: Challenge your ringers with this snazzy arrangement of the tune by Bill Hays and Jay Johnson. This is a great showcase piece for that Christmas concert.
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Bolero |
Ravel, Maurice |
Mathis, William H. |
5-6 |
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Review:
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Boulevard Promenade |
Glasgow, Michael |
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5-7 |
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Review: Some of the world's best people-watching can be found on Las Vegas Boulevard. Commissioned by Harmony Handbells, this charming original represents the carefree, liberating "joie de vivre" of the group's hometown. It’s the kind of instant favorite you’ll return to time and again!
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Carnivale |
Glasgow, Michael J. |
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5-7 |
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Review: The first rule of "Carnivale" is for everyone - ringers, director, audience - to have fun! The piece came to be after the composer was issued a challenge in the summer of 2006 to write something that was pure fun. The piece was conceived as a relentless romp that's the embodiment of every fantastic circus, fair, and carnival you've ever been to rolled into one. Put on your clown nose and enjoy it!
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Carol of the Latin Bells |
Leontovich, Mykolo |
Roberts, James Emory |
3-7 |
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Review: Arranger James Roberts has set the beloved Ukrainian Bell Carol like you have never heard it before – with a Latin beat and mostly in 4/4 meter and with optional Claves.
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Cathedrals |
Various |
Tucker, M. R. |
5-7 |
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Review: Incorporating "Adoro Te Devote" and French Cathedrals Round, "Cathdedrals", which is written for the Houston Bronze Ensemble, exhibits a dreamy, mystical style.
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Christmas Joy |
Various |
Morris, Hart |
5-7 |
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Review: Hart Morris brings us this joyful (of course!) arrangement that is chock full of all of your Christmas favorites: "Joy to the World"; "While By My Sheep"; "Sing We Now of Christmas"; "O Come, Little Children"; "Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella"; and "Angels We Have Heard on High".
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Dance and Devotion |
Morris, Hart |
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5 |
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Review: This original composition commissioned by The Houston Bronze Ensemble calls for "devotion" to rehearsal to conquer all the "dancing" from meter to meter! This one's definitely a worthy challenge!
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Dance of the Hours |
Ponchielli, Amilcare |
Sherman, Arnold |
5-7 |
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Review: For many of us, "Dance of the Hours" conjures up alligator and hippo dancers from the original Walt Disney production "Fantasia." Actually, this selection by Amilcare Ponchielli is from "La Gioconda,"; and arranger Arnold Sherman has done a superb job of adapting it for bells, chimes, and percussion. This is a challenge to rehearse and a joy to perform (and hear!). Five separate scores for Handbell Choir I, Handchime Choir II, Handbell Choir III, Percussion, and Full Score are available.
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Five Six Pick Up Sticks |
Morris, Hart |
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5-6 |
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Review: Red River Gold, the series for advanced ensembles, returns with this offering from the talented pen of Hart Morris. Continuing the nursery rhyme cycle of "Three, Four, Shut the Door" and "Seven, Eight, Lay Them Straight" this clever arrangement is not for the faint of heart.
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Imagenes |
Payn, W. |
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5 |
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Review: William Payn is well known in the bell world for his emotive and imaginative original compositions. This offering is no different. Peppered with mixed meter, wide dynamic shifts, special effects, percussion comments, and various musical textures, this 132-measured work speaks to the imagination within all of us.
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In the Mood |
Garland, Joe |
Morris, Hart |
5-7 |
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Review: Oh boy! Advanced groups will have their hands full with this rendition of the Joe Garland swingin' tune from the 30's.
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Joy of Christmas |
Various |
Joy, Michael W. |
3-5 |
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Review: On the surface, this is a medley of "Joy to the World" and "How Great Our Joy". However, in addition to these two main carols, the inspiration for the opening fanfare, the interludes, and the coda comes from other carols whose texts use the word "joy."
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Just Messin Around |
Morris, Hart |
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3-5 |
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Review: This original piece is vintage Hart Morris, full of interesting rhythms and bluesy melodies and mostly just a joy to play, hear, and experience. This show-stopper is sure to add sparkle and fun to your next concert and would make an excellent encore as well.
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Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence |
Picardy |
Frizzell, J.D. |
4-7 |
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Review: Accidental changes in one section push this otherwise level 3 piece into an advanced difficulty rating, making it a good "stretch" piece for your choir. The tune PICARDY is set with bells and with optional handchimes (4 octaves). Mallets, both on suspended and tabled bells, add ambiance and mystery, especially in the haunting ending.
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Masters In This Hall |
Traditional French Carol |
Glasgow, Michael J. |
3-7 |
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Review: "Masters in this hall, hear ye news today!" So begins the text of this sturdy Christmas carol, heralding the birth of the Savior. The melody is an invigorating old French tune, and this masterful arrangement from Michael Glasgow propels the listener forward with unrelenting rhythmic drive while also sparkling and shimmering. A powerful choice for worship or concert!
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Nothin' But the Blood |
Lowry, R. |
Morris, B. |
5 |
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Review: Bluesy harmonies (bell changes galore) syncopated rhythms (like a bass guitar), and well-placed, special articulations make this setting of the old gospel hymn swing. A fun challenge piece to move your intermediate bell choir up a notch. This selection is in Red River Gold's music for advanced ensembles. 80 measures in length.
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Parousia |
Saul, W. |
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5 |
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Review: Red River Gold is the label used by Red River Music for advanced ensemble repertoire. The Ring of Fire Handbell Choir commissioned this original selection. PAROUSIA is a musical interpretation of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Much of the piece is in 7/8 time in reflection of the "time, times, and half a time" mentioned in Bible prophecy.
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Pine Apple Rag |
Joplin, S. |
Sherman, A. |
5 |
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Review: Originally written by Scott Joplin, this jazzy work was arranged for the East Texas Handbell Ensemble. Chock-full of eighth and sixteenth notes, this piece keeps the ringers active throughout.
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Praise and Adoration |
Parrish, M. K. |
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5 |
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Review: Offbeat accents and meter changes are only part of the challenge of this piece for 5 octaves. This work is written for Advanced Ensembles.
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Prestidigitation |
Meyer, Kurt |
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3-7 |
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Review: This imaginative Kurt Meyer original is a sonic tribute to the art of magic and will transport both ringers and listeners to a world of wonder and enchantment.
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Procession In Bronze |
Sherman, Arnold B. |
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4-7 |
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Review: Begin your next concert or worship service with this original Level 4 setting from Arnold Sherman.
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Seven Eight Lay them Straight |
Morris, Hart |
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6 |
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Review: Part of the Red River Gold series, this original composition was written for a community choir, and is definitely a "show piece." The beginning time signature is 2/8 + 2/8 + 3/8.
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Shenandoah |
American Folk Tune |
Frizzell, J. D. |
5-7 |
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Review: From the Red River Gold series for advanced ensembles comes this setting of the poignant American folk tune. Bells are joined by 4 octaves of chimes and vocal solo or ensemble (which may also be played by a C instrument). The "river" aspect is alluded to through use of flowing accompaniment patterns, chimes, and mallets on suspended bells.
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Skidamarink |
Anonymous |
Hurlbutt, Patricia |
3-5 |
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Review: The tempo, the swinging rhythms, and the many bell changes (to say nothing of the triplets!) make this offering from Patricia Hurlbutt a real challenge. It is, however, worth the extra work, as this arrangement absolutely sparkles.
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Three Four Shut the Door |
Morris, Hart |
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5-7 |
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Review: Three, Four, Shut the Door" is a truly unique original composition by Hart Morris that will take audiences of all ages back to their childhood. Based on part of an old nursery rhyme, the piece is written for 5, 6 or 7 octaves of handbells and percussion that includes the slamming of a door.
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Thy Name to Sing |
Traditional |
Hascall, Nancy |
5-7 |
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Review: Commissioned for the 150th celebration of a church, this advanced arrangement of "Come Thou Almighty King" crackles with energy, shifts of pulse, and fully scored textures.
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To A Wild Rose |
MacDowell, Edward |
Sherman, Arnold B. |
4-5 |
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Review: This arrangement of Edward Macdowell's original may be played entirely on handchimes if desired. Marked "With Simple Tenderness," the fairly simple score is a challenge in ringing musically. There are some bell changes, but not in fast rhythms.
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Toccata Ritmica |
Joy, M. |
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5-7 |
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Review: Red River Gold, a part of the Red River Music catalog, is designated as "Music for Advanced Ensembles". This original work by Michael Joy is in that category and promises the choir willing to put in the time and effort a marvelous musical journey.
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Variations on Ah vous Dirai Je Maman |
Mozart, W. |
Sherman, A. |
5 |
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Review: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's famous variations on what is mostly commonly known as "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" is here set for the most advanced handbell ensembles. Challenging rhythms, bell changes, precise technique execution, and contrasting tempos and textures enhance the music and challenge the ringers. Five full octaves are called for.
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You've Got a Friend In Me |
Newman, Randy |
Burroughs, Bob |
5 |
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Review: The beloved classic from the ever-popular movie Toy Story comes to handbells in this sparkling arrangement by Bob Burroughs. There is plenty of action for all ringers, and it might take a little extra work, but it will be well worth it when you delight the audience at your next concert.
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