Perfect Melodies

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A straightforward arrangement of the traditional English carol, this version features the melody in the lower treble bells accompanied by block chords. It's written for 3 octaves of handbells (C4 to C7), with an optional G3 bell. Positions 1, 4, 5, and 8 have some relatively easy chromatic movement, and are the only ones with bell changes. This arrangement started as a request from the director of the Heath Village handbell choir for a chordal accompaniment and melody, and was performed during their 2022 Christmas concert. The version here has been expanded slightly, with some additional notes added. Techniques used: let vibrate, ring, shake Level: 2 Duration: 1 minute 3 – 4 octaves of handbells Handbells used: 3 octaves (28), 4 octaves (29)

We Wish You A Merry Christmas

3-4 Octave Handbells

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A piano transcription of the Allegro from Ernst Gottlieb Baron's Lute Sonata in B-flat Major (c. 1740). 

A quick and lively work in 6/8 for intermediate pianists. Although most of Baron's music is relatively unknown, this movement is somewhat popular in lute and guitar concerts. 

Level: Intermediate

Duration: 2:30

Sonata in B-flat Major: Allegro

Piano Accompaniment Solo

Commissioned by The Bells of Heath (Hackettstown, NJ) and their director Kathryn Twaddell, "My Sweetheart" is a medley of three popular Tin Pan Alley songs Ain't She Sweet, Daisy Bell, and Let Me Call You Sweetheart. Each tune is set in a different style and highlights the bells and choir in a different way.
 
The medley starts with a shimmer of high bells and fragments of the verse of Ain't She Sweet before entering into the song's chorus, which draws from the sound of early 1940s dance bands. Daisy Bell is a handchime feature in a simpler 6/8 meter with rich harmonies, and highlights each section of the choir. The medley concludes with Let Me Call You Sweetheart as a gentle waltz, with LV arpeggios accompanying the melody and embellished by high treble chimes in the chorus. Finally, the opening gesture returns to end the piece with a flourish.
 
"My Sweetheart" is ideal for choirs that have moved past simpler music and are looking for something a bit more challenging as they explore more advanced handbell sounds and techniques.
 
This arrangement is dedicated to my grandmother, the third generation of handbell ringers in my family.
 
Ain't She Sweet: Words by JACK YELLEN, Music by MILTON AGER 1927 (Renewed) WC MUSIC CORP. Used by Permission of ALFRED MUSIC.
 
Techniques used: let vibrate, mallet, martellato, shake, thumb damp
 
Level: 3
 
3 - 4 octaves
 
Duration: 5 minutes
 
Handbells used: 3 octaves (36), 4 octaves (39)
 
Handchimes used: 3 octaves (24), 4 octaves (26)

My Sweetheart

O Come, O Come Emmanuel is a new setting for advanced handbell choirs of the popular Advent hymn Veni Emmanuel. Starting with a chant-like quotation of the melody on the lower chimes, it features rich, jazz-inspired harmonies, and a rhythmic mixed-meter middle section. With its energetic middle section and big finish, this piece would make a great opening or ending selection for a Christmas concert. O Come, O Come Emmanuel was premiered by Palmetto Bronze on their 2023 Christmas concert "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year." Techniques used: echo, mallets, martellato, martellato lift, random suspended mallets, ring touch, shake, singing bell Level: 4+ 5 – 7 octaves Duration: 5:30 Handbells used: 5 octaves (44), 6 octaves (49), 7 octaves (52) Handchimes used: 5 octaves (25)

O Come, O Come Emmanuel

5-7 Octave Handbells

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We Wish You A Merry Christmas

Sonata in B-flat Major: Allegro

My Sweetheart

O Come, O Come Emmanuel