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Series Title: Resounding Faith Series - GIA Publishing
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Song Title |
Composer(s) |
Arranger(s) |
Octaves |
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Amazing Wondrous |
Various |
Wood, D. A. |
2 |
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Review: Two octaves of handbells and chimes combine to present this light and lovely setting of the hymn tunes NEW BRITAIN (Amazing Grace) and WONDROUS LOVE.
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Aria |
Hakes, D. K. |
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3-5 |
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Review: A thoughtful melody is supported by steady, quarter-note chords in the opening of this original composition. Later, two octaves of optional handchimes pair with mallets on table and suspended bells for special effect.
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Chant |
Kogut, M. |
Roberts, P. |
4-5 |
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Review: The original version of this handbell selection can be found in "Piano Reflections II" by Malcolm Kogut (G-4076). The "chant" tune is in natural d minor (or Aeolian mode) with a couple of exceptions. The mood is contemplative but builds in texture and dynamics. Scattered special technique, such as mart-lifts and plucking, add touches of emphasis.
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Dedication (Bell Praise) |
Wissinger, K. |
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1-5 |
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Review: Written for the celebration or dedication of handbells, this piece is designed to accompany the congregation/assembly as they sing the hymn, DEDICATION, which is included in this folio (permission to reproduce for congregation is included).
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Every Time I Feel the Spirit |
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Roberts, P. |
3 |
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Review: The publisher rating on this folio is Level V, but Level III choirs should be able to do a good job with a little practice. This arrangement of the spiritual is upbeat and fast and syncopated.
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Fanfare and Flourish |
Hakes, D. K. |
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2-5 |
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Review: Although the rating on the cover says level 4, it is actually a level 2+. An exciting piece to open a concert or worhip service, this original is stately, triumphant, and bold. The bells (2-3 or 3-5 version both in one folio) shake tall chords in response to the organ's pronouncements.
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Festive Intrada |
Tucker, S. |
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3-5 |
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Review: Handbells, Organ, and optional Brass Quintet combine for this joyful fanfare originally written for a wedding. Handbells introduce the theme and then go on to accompany the organ and brass as they enters with the theme.
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Festive Pastorale |
Dare, J. C. |
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3 |
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Review: This gentle original work in 3/4 meter features melody in both upper and lower registers accompanied by quarter-note chords. Performance notes suggest ringing the melody with chimes or other instrument for a lovely contrast to the bells.
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God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen |
Traditional |
Roberts, P. |
3 |
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Review: The traditional English carol is given a "brisk" treatment with staccato articulations to aid the "bounce." The opening section is a duet of two lines that adds notes along the way, but always in open and light textures. 77 measures in length.
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Go Tell It On the Mountain |
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Tucker, S. |
3-5 |
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Review: Handbells and organ combine in what the arranger describes as a "peppy" setting of this favorite spiritual. The bells start with a jazzy intro full of dotted-eighth and sixteenth-note patterns. Later full chords on both instruments proclaim the message before returning to the earlier jazzy rhythms.
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If You But Trust In God to Guide You |
Neumark, G. |
Hanna, D. |
3-5 |
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Review: The arranger of this hymn tune (WER NUR DEN LIEBEN GOTT) calls for the music to be played "molto legato", or "extremely smoothly." The eighth-note patterns of accompaniment are the tool for this "smoothness." Scored in "A" minor at a slow tempo with lots of opportunities for musical expression.
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Immortal Invisible God Only Wise |
St. Denio |
Dare, J. |
3 |
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Review: For those choirs just venturing beyond level I literature, this simple setting of the Welsh hymn tune is a good choice. The first 23 measures are in simple "level I" rhythms. The next section adds a few measures of running, staccato bass line. Later, a repeated pattern of eighth notes appears in chords. 65 measures in length and very accessible.
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Inisheer |
Irish Folk Song |
O'Kelly, Niamh |
2 |
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Review: The rhythm, dotted quarter - three eighths, in 3/4 meter is the dominant motif of this arrangement of an Irish melody. The Andante tempo and gentle accompaniment add to the dreamy flavor of the work. Some simple sixteenth rhythms add energy throughout the 60 measures.
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Inward Light |
Roberts, P. |
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3-5 |
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Review: Contemplative, reflection, and deliberate, this original composition is in memory of a teenager. The poignant melody first appears in the lower register with the soulfullness of a cello. Later, the mood grows stronger and the melody in the upper voice is supported by almost light-hearted accompaniment beneath. The final section is one of celebration in spite of loss.
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Israel in the Wilderness |
Dare, J. |
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3 |
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Review: What do you imagine the nation of Israel, wandering around for 40 years in the wilderness, to sound like? This piece is the answer. Filled with march rhythms, wandering tonal shifts (but with doable bell changes), malleting ostinato patterns, fortissimo dynamics, and a double mart ending all in 44 measures. A fun piece to emphasize scripture reading or a sermon (children or adult!) in worship!
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I Will Sing of the Mercies |
Fillmore, J. H. |
Ingram, B. |
3-5 |
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Review: This old gospel hymn (FILLMORE) makes use of mallets, tall swings, shakes, and martellato lifts to get its point across. The melody contains easily playable dotted rhythms backed up by chordal texture underneath.
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King David Dances Before the Lord |
Dare, J. |
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3 |
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Review: Get out those tap shoes - you may want to dance along with King David in this original work that_well_DANCES! A separate score for tambourine is included and adds to the effects of thumb damps, mallets, and shakes. The rhythms are not difficult, allowing ringers to concentrate on the musical effect.
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Land of Milk and Honey |
Dare, J. |
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3 |
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Review: Three octaves of chimes AND bells are required for the "milk and honey" of this composition from John Dare. The melody appears in both bells and chimes. The rhythms are simple with only a few bell changes. This could be considered a I+ piece. An excellent choice to challene your beginning ringers.
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Legend |
Dare, J. C. |
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5 |
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Review: This original is written for a full five octave choir at level 2, a much needed resource in the level 2 repertoire! The tempo is vigorous but with simple rhythms and a few bell changes. Mallets on tabled bells accompany a second statement of the theme. This is a full and bold selection for concert.
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Morning Thoughts |
Kay, Karl |
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3-4 |
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Review: Peaceful, expressive, and thoughtful all describe the mood of this original work. The rhythms are simple in 3/4 meter. Ringers will grow in their skills of understanding ties across the barlines, cresecendo and diminuendo, varying dynamics, and playing softly. 65 measures in length.
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Night of Silence |
Kantor, D. |
Ward, R. J. |
4-6 |
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Review: The mood of this original work for bells, optional chimes and vocal solo can be summed up in the opening words: "Cold are the people, winter of life, we tremble in shadows this cold endless night...fire of hope is our only warmth." The bells ring in light and thoughtful textures.
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Nothing But the Blood |
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Roberts, P. |
3 |
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Review: The bass register is highlighted at the beginning of this setting of the gospel hymn tune. Later, the music builds as melody in octaves enters along with simple accompaniment. The few eighth note patterns and mostly chordal style scoring makes this a natural bridge from Level I repertoire to easy Level II. 54 measures in length.
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O Sons and Daughters Let Us Sing |
Tisserand, J. |
Stephenson, V. |
3-5 |
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Review: Based on the French melody, O FILII ET FILIAE, this setting opens with chimes on a chant-like melody line. Soon, echo technique enters on the bells for an even more ethereal mood. The melody appears in registers, giving several ringers a go at it.
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Prelude and Procession |
McAninch, D. |
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2 |
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Review: The Prelude is marked "andante" with flowing, eighth-note patterns in an sometimes antiphonal feel. The Processional is march-like with martellatos making a point, and hand drum, finger cymbal, and tambourine backing them up.
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Princess Royal |
O'Carolan, Turlough |
O'Kelly, Niamh |
2 |
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Review: This setting of a tune by the famous Irish harper, Turlough O'Carolan, is full of all those beloved Irish turns of phrases and "noodling."
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Quodlibet On Now Thank We All Our God - Praise To The Lord |
Various |
Roberts, P. |
3-4 |
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Review: The two hymn tunes, NUN DANKET and LOBE DEN HERREN are combined in a quodlibet . The first tune is presented and then repeated with the second tune factored in. Some meter change between 2/4, 3/4, and 4/4 occurs as well as wide contrasts in dynamics. 54 measures with repeats.
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Sower, The |
Wissinger, K. |
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3-5 |
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Review: This piece is inspired by the parable of the sower in Matthew 13. The modal sound suggests a wooded landscape, and the composer envisions a peasant farmer as the sower; hence the subtitle "Kulak's Orchard" - Kulak means peasant in Russian. The piece contains lots of techniques for ringers to enjoy.
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Star In the East |
Walker, William |
Roberts, Philip L. |
3-5 |
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Review: Set in g minor, this original work has a "Persian" feel about it. It may be performed at Christmas but is especially effective for Epiphany. It is fully scored to keep all ringers involved along with an optional 3 octaves of handchimes.
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Three French Christmas Carols |
Various |
Danchik, K. |
2 |
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Review: "Bring a Torch, Jeannette, Isabella," "Carol of the Birds" and "Noel Nouvelet" are the three French tunes in this folio. Each one focuses on the pure rung sound of bells with no special techniques. Some bell changes will provide a challenge.
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Three Movements of Sound |
Danchik, K. |
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2 |
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Review: Composer Kenneth Danchik presents three movements which focus on the overall sound instead of melody and accompaniment. The first is "Fanfare", which scores paired tremolo notes (with instructions), shakes, and fortississimo dynamic. The second is "Chorale", which is set in 3/4 time in simple, chordal rhythms. The third is "Allegro", which is marked (quarter note = 120), imitative in texture.
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Three Polish Christmas Carols |
Various |
Danchik, K. |
2 |
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Review: "Three Polish Carols" is a suite for two octave handbells or handchimes containing three carols from Poland: Infant Holy, Infant Lowly; Lullaby, Jesu; and When Christ Was Born. It can be performed intact or each carol can be rung separately.
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Travelers from Nazareth |
Wissinger, K. |
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3-5 |
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Review: Sing a new Christmas carol this yuletide and accompany it with bells! This original hymn describing Mary and Joseph's trip to Bethlehem for the birth of Jesus includes the congregational hymn and permission to copy it. The bells ring introduction and interludes but mostly provide accompaniment for the singing.
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Turnings |
Dare, J. |
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2-4 |
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Review: The melody and harmony in this original selection are scored on different staves: the melody on a treble stave, and the harmony on a grand staff. The composer writes, "this piece is most effective when the melody and harmony parts use different tone colors (ex. bell and chimes)." The melody uses notes ranging from G5 to G6 with an optional extension up to G7.
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Two Early American Hymn Tunes |
Various |
Roberts, P. |
3-5 |
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Review: NETTLETON and WARRENTION are the two tunes most commonly associated with the hymn text, "Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing". Here, in 48 measures with repeats, they are contrasted by special articulations and light and full accompaniments. Idea for an introduction to hymn singing or as an interlude as well as a solo piece.
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