Matthew Prins, composer | list of works

“Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence”

matthewprins — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 19:55:12 +0000

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

“Three O’Clock Fantasie”

matthewprins — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 21:17:43 +0000

for 3-5 octaves handbells

Dreams can often incorporate the ambient sounds of the world around the dreamer. “Three O’clock Fantasie” takes the music of a clock striking three o’clock and re-imagines it through a dreamlike state.

AGEHR Level: 3
Time: ~3 min.
Published in 2006 by Above the Line Publishing
[buy from Above the Line Publishing]

“Come, Ye Thankful People, Come”

matthewprins — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 21:13:15 +0000

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

“In the Bleak Midwinter”

matthewprins — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 21:09:42 +0000

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

“Interlude on ‘What Child Is This?’”

matthewprins — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 19:56:20 +0000

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

“A Singular Journey”

matthewprins — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 19:51:22 +0000

for 4 octaves handbells and solo trombone (or euphonium)

A Taizé-style original piece. Trombone part more difficult than the handbell part. Dedicated to Janet Lott.

AGEHR Level: 3
Time: ~3 min.

composed in 2008; contact Matthew Prins for more information

“Matutinus”

matthewprins — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 04:53:29 +0000

for bell tree solo, handbell duet or handbell trio with piano

An original bell tree solo; can also be played as normal duet or trio.

Time: ~2 min.
to be published in 2009

“Bluebird’s Autumn Flight”

matthewprins — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 04:49:56 +0000

for bell tree solo, handbell duet or handbell trio with piano

An original bell tree solo; can also be played as normal duet or trio.

Time: ~2 min.
to be published in 2009

“The Sublime Numbers”

matthewprins — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 04:44:26 +0000

for 5 octaves of handbells, 2 octaves of handchimes, and piano in 3 movements

[preview score]

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]

“The World in Solemn Stillness Lay”

matthewprins — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 22:00:39 +0000

for 5-7 octaves handbells and solo vocalist
[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]