It Came Upon the Midnight Clear
This arrangement by John Behnke of the hymn tune CAROL is scored for 3-6 octave handbells and 3-4 octave handchimes. The setting, which incorporates Franz Gruber's hymn tune STILLE NACHT, is an ideal selection for Christmas Eve, especially midnight services. Of particular interest is the signature melody line, which is written for bass chimes on a separate line. This 136-measure piece is set in Bb Major and G Major.