News & Views Monday, March 18, 2024

Handbell Music for Lent & Easter 2018 Wednesday, February 21, 2018

recommended by Jennifer F., Handbell Music Specialist

lorenz-521296Alas, and Did My Savior Bleed arr. Jason W. Krug, Level 2
The plaintive melody of this arrangement sits atop a flowing accompaniment of either bells or chimes, symbolizing Christ’s sacrifice for us. The melody moves from the treble bells to the bass bells with ease, and the piece gradually slows to a soft final chord, leaving the congregation in quiet meditation as the final tones fade from the space.

Jesus Shall Reign arr. Bill Ingram, Level 1
This flexible and solid level 1 arrangement is playable by 2, 3, 4 or 5 octave handbell or handchime groups, making it an excellent choice for festivals and for choirs ringing with some absentees. The stately hymntune, DUKE STREET, is set to several different sets of lyrics in different hymnals, and will be useful throughout most of the church year. The piece is enhanced by a variety of techniques, which can easily be adapted for handchimes.

hope-2752-fJoyful, Joyful arr. Cynthia Dobrinski, Level 3-
In this jubilant setting of HYMN TO JOY, Cynthia Dobrinski incorporates a nice variety of handbell techniques to make the tune come to life. With straight ringing along with mallets, martellato, and effective shakes, the ringers and listeners alike are given a satisfying musical experience. The words from Psalm 100 serve as the inspiration: “Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” At the 3- level, this is a setting that many church choirs can successfully accomplish.

Three Pieces for Lent and Easter arr. Karissa Dennis, Level 1+
This set of arrangements provides two selections for Lent and Holy Week observances and one for Easter Sunday. In keeping with level-one guidelines, there is no subdivision of the beat and the few handbell changes are prepared. Ringers will enjoy developing a variety of techniques, including echoes, tower swings, and martellatos, and working on legato passages that use LVs.

lorenz-521220Resurrection Joy arr. Hart Morris, Level 3-
“Resurrection Joy” weaves five Easter hymns into this triumphant and exciting medley from the pen of Hart Morris. With performance options for bells alone, bells with solo trumpet, or bells and the full forces of brass quintet and timpani, this stirring piece will be a memorable addition to your Easter services or spring concerts.

The Strife Is O’er arr. Jason W. Krug, Level 2+
With or without the optional instruments, Jason Krug’s brilliant arrangement lives up to the grandeur of its tune name, VICTORY. “The Strife Is O’er” is a fitting selection for any praise service, but will serve particularly well at either the beginning or ending of your Easter service. After a majestic fanfare and opening chorale, the piece moves to a more rhythmic middle section with a malleted bass accompaniment, and the final verse utilizes the full choir. This item includes the handbell part alone.

For more great recommendations, contact us at 1.800.426.8742. Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

About the Author:
Jennifer F. is a graduate of Otterbein College with a degree in Vocal Performance. She has worked at Stanton’s for over 14 years specializing in Sacred Choral, Classical Vocal and Handbell music. Jennifer is a soprano section leader in the Chancel Choir at First Community Church in Columbus Ohio, and is also the founder, Artistic Director and bass bell ringer for Handbells Columbus.

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