Review:
Inspired by a specific request and his own family heritage, Roy Attridge penned “Two Tongan Songs”, which feature the national anthem of Tonga (Fasi fakafonua) and a beloved traditional hymn ('Ilonga ha taha). The national anthem is fully chorded (with a few 8th note runs) - scored on a single page. The hymn is in 6/8 time, first with rhythmic, malleted bass chords and then with bass arpeggios, plus easy optional ukulele chords and an optional repeat. Both have an authentic feel thanks to Roy’s connections with Elders in the family (see a picture and some background on the piece in the score).
Suitable for worship, concert, and festival, they are scored for 3-5 octaves in solid Level 2 territory. Lyrics in Tongan (and the English translations) are included for both songs. Set in the key of G, in a singable range, you can feature a soloist or you can easily teach the tunes (or the refrain) to your audience (with lyrics in the program or projected), including them in your performance!
Most likely the first-ever handbell arrangements of these two songs, these pieces offer a thoughtful look into the heritage and culture of this Polynesian many-island country in Oceania, officially known as the Kingdom of Tonga. These are Roy’s first published pieces as well. This score (RE8042R) is completely reproducible by the original purchaser for their own ringers.
From ringTrue Handbell Music (“innovative music for successful ringing”), “Two Tongan Songs” (RE8042R) is part of the “
True Music” series, which features well-crafted originals and arrangements for concert, worship, and festival. For the entire catalog (listed alphabetically) click
HERE. For the 8 different series’ offerings, click
HERE, then scroll down the alphabetical list on the left to Series: ringTrue and select the desired series.
Published by:
ringTrue
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Composer:
Traditional Tongan Songs
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Arranger:
Attridge, Roy
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Octaves:
3-5
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Level:
2
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Rating:
Easy
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Copyright:
2025
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Season:
All Year
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Classification:
Church or Concert
, Concert
, Reproducible
, Secular
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Technique:
Mallet
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Voicing:
Handbells, No Choral
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Bells Used:
Three Octaves: 31 Bells; Four Octaves: 38 Bells; Five Octaves: 42 Bells
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