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 handbells
A short, easy arrangement of the hymn tune REGINA CAELI.
AGEHR Level: 1
Time: ~2 min.
composed in 2005; contact Matthew Prins for information
for handbell duet (4-5 octaves) with piano accompaniment
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Based on the hymn tunes SLANE and FINLANDIA, this handbell duet was created for BELL a DEUX (Ron Bellamy and Bobbi Schmid). The sensitive arrangement intertwines the two melodies and includes the use of a bell tree in one section. The packet includes 2 copies of the handbell part and the piano accompaniment.
Level: MD
Time: ~4½ min.
Published in 2006 by From the Top Music
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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
A beginning choir’s arrangement of the classic hymn.
AGEHR Level: 1
Time: ~2 min.
arranged in 2004; contact Matthew Prins for more information
for 2-4 octaves handbells and flute
An arrangement written for the 2008 Park Ridge Community Thanksgiving Service. Flute is not optional.
AGEHR Level: 3
Time: ~3 min.
composed in 2008; contact Matthew Prins for more information
for SATB choir or congregation
A hymn for congregational singing.
Time: ~2 min.
arranged in 2005; contact Matthew Prins for more information
for handbell duet with piano accompaniment
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A hauntingly beautiful rendition of the favorite sacred tune.
Time: ~4 min.
Published in 2008 by STEP (Solo To Ensemble Project)
[buy from STEP]
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 4-5 octaves of handbells
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Like most fantasies, this arrangement of the spiritual “There is a Balm in Gilead” is a composition where the free flight of fancy prevails over normal conventions of form and style. Several key changes add to the challenge. Measures total 108.
AGEHR Level: 3+
Time: ~4½ min.
Published in 2005 by GIA Publications
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for 3-5 octaves handbells
A Lenten arrangement of the hymn tune HEINLEIN. Includes scripture references throughout the song.
AGEHR Level: 2+
Time: ~3½ min.
composed in 2005; contact Matthew Prins for information
for handbell quartet (4-5 octaves)
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This fast-paced holiday quartet is fun and challenging for the experienced ensemble ringer. With the exception of the last 2 measures, the bells are table-malleted throughout. Ringers change positions midway through the piece, adding to the exuberance of the performance.
Level: D
Time: ~1½ min.
Published in 2007 by From the Top Music
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for 4-5 octaves handbells
A meditative original piece for handbells in ABA form.
AGEHR Level: 3
Time: ~3 min.
composed in 2005; contact Matthew Prins for more information
for 3-5 octaves handbells
Mallets on suspended bells in both bass and treble clef are scored in the dreamy introduction to the standard hymn tune. The melody is then supported by toll swings in the bass and running, “peal”-like mid-clef patterns. In following sections, alternate harmonies add interest and challenge. The ending shifts into 5/4 with fortissimo shakes on tall chords.
AGEHR Level: 3
Time: ~2½ min.
Published in 2007 by Flagstaff Publishing
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for 3 octaves handbells and cello
An arrangement of the classic Christmas tune. Cello is not optional, although part could be played by french horn or (with slight rearranging) most any string or wind instrument.
AGEHR Level: 3
Time: ~2½ min.
composed in 2008; contact Matthew Prins for more information
for 3-5 octaves handbells and optional alto soloist
An interlude based on the English tune “Greensleeves.” Very open arrangement. Optional soloist sings the second verse and refrain and the third refrain.
AGEHR Level: 2+
Time: ~2 min.
composed in 2008; contact Matthew Prins for more information
for 3-5 octaves handbells
An arrangement of the two tunes associated with with this hymn text: GALILEE by William H. Jude and STUTTGART by Christian F. Witt.
AGEHR Level: 3
Time: ~3 min.
composed in 2006; contact Matthew Prins for information
for 4-octave bell tree trio or handbell sextet
An entirely LVed arrangement of the French Christmas tune. Only bells from E5-G7 are used. Sextet can either be played mallet suspended or by using four-in-hand.
Time: ~4 min.
composed in 2008; contact Matthew Prins for more information
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 4-6 octaves handbells
A harmonically inventive arrangement of the classic 19th century hymn.
AGEHR Level: 3
Time: ~3 min.
to be published in 2009
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
A somewhat fantasy-esque arrangement of the classic hymn tune.
AGEHR Level: 2+
Time: ~3 min.
arranged in 2006; contact Matthew Prins for more information
for 3 octaves handbells
A short, musically very easy arrangement of the DUKE STREET hymn tune. A great way to practice various techniques, including mart, mart lift, echo, shake, thumb damp, and more. Arranged for the 2006 James River Ringers Annual Ringers’ Workshop.
AGEHR Level: 1+
Time: ~1½ min.
arranged in 2006; contact Matthew Prins for more information
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 SATB chorus and 3-5 octaves handbells
A new, somber setting of the classic Latin Christmas text. Lots of mixed meter, but at a very slow tempo. Handbells are played entirely mallet-suspended.
Premiered by the Memorial Choir and Memorial Bells, December 12, 2006; Memorial Lutheran Church, Ames, Ia.
Time: ~3 min.
composed in 2006; contact Matthew Prins for information
for 3-5 octaves handbells
An arrangement of the famous hymn tune.
AGEHR Level: 3
Time: ~3 min.
to be published in 2009
for TTBB choir and piano
A joyous original work for men’s choir and piano.
Time: ~3 min.
arranged in 2005; contact Matthew Prins for more information
for SSA chorus and harp or piano
A new melody set to Edward Caswall’s 19th-century Christmas lyrics.
Time: ~2½ min.
composed in 2006; contact Matthew Prins for information
for 3-5 octaves of handbells
This collection of ten Christmas hymn introductions provides an opportunity to incorporate handbell into congregational hymn singing during the Christmas season. The collection includes 3-5 octave handbell introductions plus harmonizations for one verse of ten popular Christmas carols. The introductions are for bell choir only and the harmonizations can stand alone or augment the standard keyboard accompaniment.
AGEHR Level: 2+
Time: less than 1 min. each
Published in 2008 by Hope Publishing
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for 5-7 octaves handbells and solo vocalist
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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 2 octaves handbells
Three short original sacred pieces, all written for two octaves of handbells.
AGEHR Level: 2+
Time: ~2 min. each
to be published in 2009
for 4-6 octaves handbells
A jazzy rendition of the Epiphany favorite, “We Three Jazzy Kings” uses syncopation and mixed meter to make the long journey to Bethlehem fun for all. Arranged in e minor, measures total 81 with repeats.
Premiered by the James River Ringers, December 10, 2006; Epiphany Lutheran Church, Richmond, Va.
AGEHR Level: 4
Time: ~3 min.
Published in 2007 by Flagstaff Publishing
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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
for SATB choir or congregation
A hymn for congregational singing.
Time: ~2 min.
arranged in 2005; contact Matthew Prins for more information
for 3-5 octaves handbells
A fantasy-esque arrangement of the classic hymn tune.
AGEHR Level: 3
Time: ~4 min.
arranged in 2006; contact Matthew Prins for more information
for 3-5 octaves handbells
An arrangement of the well-known modern hymn written by David Hass. Under copyright; not available for performance without original publisher’s written permission.
AGEHR Level: 2+
Time: ~3 min.
arranged in 2006; contact Matthew Prins for more information
for handbells C3 to C5 (eight players)
An atmospheric, amelodic work that is built entirely on long notes played using the singing bell technique and mallet-rolling suspended bells. Follows the guidelines of the burgeoning miniaturist genre: no more than 100 notes are played during the entire piece.
AGEHR Level: 3
Time: ~3 min.
composed in 2008; contact Matthew Prins for information
for a capella SATB choir
An original choral lament based on Psalm 88 (KJV).
Time: ~4 min.
composed in 2006; contact Matthew Prins for information