for 3-5 octaves handbells or handchimes
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An arrangement of a lovely Epiphany song, which is also known as “Saw You Never, In the Twilight?” The music is based on the 15th century French melody CHARTES.
AGEHR Level: 2+
Time: ~2½ min.
composed in 2007; contact Matthew Prins for information
for 2-3 octaves handbells or handchimes
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A very easy arrangement of the Johann Cruger hymn with a new harmonization.
AGEHR Level: 1
Time: ~2 min.
arranged in 2005; contact Matthew Prins for information
for 5 octaves handbells with optional flute and optional organ or C3-E3 handchimes
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“Alleluia Sotto Voce” is written in the Taizé style: a simple melody that repeats many times with slight variations in accompaniment, creating an ethereal, meditative feeling. “Alleluia Sotto Voce” uses those musical ideas of Taizé, taking a simple 3-measure phrase and building different accompaniments and countermelodies on top of it before deconstructing it and returning to the simple, 3-measure phrase.
AGEHR Level: 2+
Time: ~4 min.
Published in 2008 by From the Top Music
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for 3-5 octaves of handbells or handchimes, or with optional 3-5 octaves handchimes
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The most well-known settings of “Ave Maria,” Bach/Gounod and Schubert, are included in one edition as two separate works. The Bach/Gounod version is for 3-5 octaves of handbells or chimes. The Schubert setting can be performed on 3-5 octaves of handbells with an optional 3-5 octaves of chimes. Both are brilliant choices for worship, weddings, concerts, and festivals.
AGEHR Level: 2+
Time: ~3 min. each
Published in 2007 by GIA Publications
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for 3-5 octaves of handbells with optional 2 octaves handchimes
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Review from Overtones, July/August 2007: “…a richly harmonized medley of ”Twas in the Moon of Wintertime,’ ‘God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen,’ ‘The Coventry Carol,’ and ‘The First Noel’….a striking arrangement, juxtaposing tunes and using techniques as an integral part of the orchestration of the piece.”
AGEHR Level: 4+
Time: ~5 min.
Published in 2007 by GIA Publications
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for 2-3 octaves handbells with optional 2 octaves handchimes
A relatively straightforward arrangement of the 1877 William Sherwin tune.
AGEHR Level: 2
Time: ~2½ min.
composed in 2006; contact Matthew Prins for information
for 3-5 octaves handbells with optional 3 octaves handchimes
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Mystical and ethereal are adjectives that could be used to describe this setting of the hymn “Spirit of God, Descend Upon My Heart.” Writing in 6/8 time with a running eighth note pattern in the bass, unexpected harmonies in the treble and liberal use of LV, this is a lovely and unusual arrangement of this hymn of meditation.
AGEHR Level: 3+
Time: ~2½ min.
Published in 2007 by From the Top Music
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for 4-6 octaves handbells with optional 2 octaves handchimes
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Pull out your sunglasses and surf board! The Beach Boys have come to the handbell world! You can now “rock on” with your handbells as you ring this classic tune from the 60’s. With a title of “Good Vibrations” it had to be arranged for handbells!
AGEHR Level: 5
Time: ~3½ min.
Published in 2007 by From the Top Music
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for 3-5 octaves handbells and optional 2 octaves handchimes
A dark arrangement of the dark Johann Cruger hymn.
AGEHR Level: 3
Time: ~3 min.
to be published in 2009
for 2-3 octaves handbells or handchimes
A meditation on the classic Christmas hymn. Measures number 85. Meter mostly 6/8 with some 4/4.
AGEHR Level: 3
Time: ~3 min.
arranged in 2005; contact Matthew Prins for more information
for 3 octaves handbells or handchimes
A simple minor-key arrangement of “Joy to the World” that hints at events to come in Jesus’ life. Appropriate for a Christmas meditation or for Holy Week.
AGEHR Level: 2+
Time: ~2½ min.
composed in 2005; contact Matthew Prins for more information
for 3-5 octaves handbells or handchimes
This slow and legato arrangement is based on traditional chant and equally playable on handbells or handchimes or a mixture of both. A careful musical interpretation of varying dynamics and tempo fluctuations will add greatly to the performance of this work’s light and fragile passages.
AGEHR Level: 3
Time: ~2½ min.
Published in 2007 by Flagstaff Publishing
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for 2-4 octaves handbells or handchimes
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A hauntingly beautiful arrangement of the hymn tune “Morning Song” that can be played in its entirety with handchimes or with mallets on suspended bells, LV throughout, producing an etherial sound. This piece is appropriate in any venue: church, community concerts or schools.
AGEHR Level: 2
Time: ~3½ min.
Published in 2006 by From the Top Music
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for 3-5 octaves handbells (with optional 2 octaves handchimes) and string quartet
A meditative arrangement of the Lenten hymn for handbells and strings. Some optional use of the singing bell technique.
AGEHR Level: 3+
Time: ~4 min.
arranged in 2008; contact Matthew Prins for more information
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 octaves of handbells, 2 octaves of handchimes, and piano in 3 movements
honorable mention, 2006 SoundPrint Handbell Composition Contest
A musical representation of the only two numbers known as “sublime numbers,” as well as detailing the search for a third sublime number.
AGEHR Level: 6+
Time: ~10 min.
Published in 2007 by ring-Press
[buy from ring-Press]
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