Barbara Allen

"Barbara Allen" is a (likely Scottish) Folk song that has spread all across the English-speaking world. The earliest known versions date from the 17th century and as with most folk songs, there is considerable variety in the lyrics recorded in various versions. Generally the song tells the story of Barbara Allen and her rejecting the love a young man who is dying. This version is arranged for 3 octave handbell choir and is approximately level 2 by AGHER difficulty guidelines. There are no bell changes and the piece is relatively simple overall, but there are a few times where the rhythms are mildly complex with some ringers playing steady quarter-notes and others playing eighth-note followed by dotted quarter-note patters. The melody is passed between all three octaves and harmony is quite simple for most of the piece.