Arise My Soul Arise
Johan Kahl was a Swedish hymn poet, who wrote over 50 hymns before he tragically drowned at the age of 25. His poem, "Arise, my soul, Arise! Stretch forth to things eternal ..." was set to a Finnish folk tune, but only in the last half-century has it been included in several hymnals and arranged for vocal choirs. Linda Boatright has taken this simple tune and created a beautiful, sophisticated arrangement for handbells.
It begins with singing bells or optional random, suspended bells accompanying the simple melody rung on handchimes. The tune is then featured in both the bass and treble bells in various styles and accompaniments that will thoroughly engage everyone listening to this amazing work. A captivating Adagio section with lightly rung handchimes creates a lyrical background as the bass bells ring a hint of the melody. Ensuing segues and key changes will prove to be very engaging and dynamics, tempo, and time signature changes ultimately lead to a fully-developed final section that will inspire and thrill every listener.
This is rated 3+ since it is accessible by solid level 3 groups – but Level 4 and 5 ringers will find satisfaction in ringing it at tempo with maximum accuracy in dynamics, expression, and techniques.