Music Listed as 7 octaves
for 5-7 octaves handbells and 1 octave tuned percussion or Petit & Fritsen handbells, with optional marching machine, anvil, or other percussion
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[preview score]
2005 Bells of the Sound Composition Contest Winner
Inspired by the iron and steel factories in the Russian city of Cherepovets, “Comrades, Haste!” evokes a 1960s-era Soviet-bloc industrial sound. In creating that ambiance, “Comrades, Haste!” also includes opportunities for both tuned percussion and untuned percussion — an anvil, a marching machine, and whatever other ideas the performers have.
Premiered by the Bells of the Sound, April 23, 2005; Kirkland Performance Center, Kirkland, Wa.
AGEHR Level: 5
Time: ~4½ min.
Published in 2006 by Above the Line Publishing
[buy from Above the Line Publishing]
for 5-7 octaves handbells and handchimes, string orchestra and piano in 12 movements
A large-scale, multi-instrument work composed about London’s subway system, with each movement developing a different Tube line. Audio recording to come.
AGEHR Level: 5
Time: ~27 min.
to be published in 2009
for 5-7 octaves handbells and solo vocalist
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[preview score]
A fantasy arrangement of the Christmas standard “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear,” “The World in Solemn Stillness Lay” sets and maintains a mood with the use of random ringing, singing bells and a haunting vocal line. The arrangement makes use of multiple meter throughout with major sections in 5/4, 4/4 and 3/4. At times, the piece is very transparent and at others very complex with as many as four simultaneous lines.
Premiered by the Austin Handbell Ensemble, December 15, 2006; Austin, Tx.
AGEHR Level: 4-
Time: ~9 min.
Published in 2008 by Peal Publishing
[buy from Peal Publishing]
for 4-5 octaves handbells (plus optional C2) and 3 octaves handchimes
A haunting arrangement of Lowell Mason’s famous hymn tune. Includes option to use singing bell technique in the bass clef. Non-traditional assignment necessary for some positions.
Premiered by the Bells of Dundee, March 16, 2008; St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, West Dundee, Ill.
AGEHR Level: 3
Time: ~3 min.
composed in 2008; contact Matthew Prins for information
