Review:
Brian has arranged this sweet and lyrical carol for solo handbells and a few optional handchimes with piano. It begins with sustained arpeggiated piano chords that support the lovely handbell solo melody line, leading to the gentle, flowing, and expressive carol.
Written in C-major, it segues to D-major and includes dynamic expressions that will inspire and move the listeners. It is suggested that handchimes may be flipped over and malleted on the table for a 'neat' effect. That section – and a measure at the end – may also be rung on a bell tree so there is an opportunity for the soloist to adapt this to fit their personal expression. The interplay between the piano and bell part is simply lovely. What a special piece to add to your solo repertoire! Piano part and pullout solo part included
Additional background: Caswall wrote this carol in 1858 and it was adapted to a hymn tune by Sir John Goss in 1871. This lovely work originally included seven verses with a chorus line, "Sing through all Jerusalem, Christ is born in Bethlehem." Reference to 'snow' referred to 'purity against the sins of the world.'
Published by:
From the Top Music
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Composer:
Hymn Tune
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Arranger:
Childers, Brian
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Octaves:
3
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Level:
3
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Rating:
Medium
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Copyright:
2023
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Season:
Christmas
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Less than a full handbell choir:
Solo Ringer
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Classification:
Church or Concert
, Concert
, Hymn Tune
, Instrument Part
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Technique:
Mallet
, Sk (Shake)
, vib. (Vibrato)
, LV (Let Vibrate)
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Voicing:
Handbells, No Choral
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Instrument:
Piano
, Bell Tree
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