Brells

Johnson, Matt, Dolce & Nuit Productions

This original work is a musical dialogue between a Brass ensemble and a Handbell choir. Their bantering with changing time signatures and unexpected harmonic choices ultimately produces a rousing opening concert piece. The title was created using letters from Brass and Handbells.

Chopstix

Traditional, arr. Johnson, Matt, National Handbell Music

A fun selection! Great as a novelty or encore. Mallets used throughout.

Christmas Carol Medley

Multiple, arr. Johnson, Matt, Dolce & Nuit Productions

This arrangement incorporates four familiar Christmas carols, presented simply ... with some harmonic variations for interest.

Come Ye Thankful People Come

Elvey, George J., arr. Johnson, Matt, National Handbell Music

Harmonic shifts, snatches of melodic material, shifting meter, chromatic movement are all employed by the arranger in the first half of this well-known Thanksgiving hymn arrangement.

Come Ye Thankful People Come

Elvey, George J., arr. Johnson, Matt, National Handbell Music

Arranger Matt Johnson takes the opening motive from the traditional Thanksgiving hymn tune and moves it through several tonal areas before settling on C major and a chordal rendition of the hymn.

Every Time I Feel the Spirit

Traditional Spiritual, arr. Johnson, Matt, Dolce & Nuit Productions

The traditional spiritual is given a contemporary, slow swing treatment in this arrangement for 8 ringers. Syncopated rhythms, unusual harmonies, and the use of martellatos, martellato lifts, and shakes make this a fun arrangement for ringers and audiences alike.

First Noel

Hymn Tune, arr. Johnson, Matt, Dolce & Nuit Productions

This intimate adaptation features melodic handbells floating above the harmonic swirls of the piano. On the recording, elegantly sparse orchestration frames the hypnotic rhythm and lulls the listener into a peaceful mood.

Handbell Processional

Johnson, Matt, Dolce & Nuit Productions

Intended as a dramatic musical opening for a service or concert, the first 16 measures may be repeated as a processional until all ringers are at the tables and ready to perform the rest of the piece.

New Life

Johnson, Matt, National Handbell Music

Written in celebration of the composer's new son's birth, the atmosphere of this composition is sweet joy and wonder. A repeating 16th-note figure in 6/8 time predominates the texture which is more sound than melody.

Night in a Manger

Multiple, arr. Johnson, Matt, Dolce & Nuit Productions

This arrangement overlaps two familiar carols, "Silent Night" and "Away in a Manger", thus the title.

Silent Night

Gruber, Franz, arr. Johnson, Matt, Dolce & Nuit Productions

This arrangement of "Silent Night" is written as a piano solo with optional handbells doubling the melody; however, it would be equally as effective as a from-the-table handbell solo. The flowing piano part supports the elongated melody while the gentle ebb and flow of the tempo allows for interpretive freedom in both the piano part and the handbell part.

Surprise Postlude

Johnson, Matt, Dolce & Nuit Productions

This conceptual musical work uses 'hidden' handbells to surprise listeners and is most effective at times when handbells are unexpected. Eight or more ringers may participate. No director is needed to conduct so there is no visual spoiler. The rhythms and/or pitches may be changed as needed for each performance.

We Gather Together

Hymn Tune, arr. Johnson, Matt, National Handbell Music

An easy, simple arrangement of the tune KREMSER. Large notes help the less experienced ringers.

We Gather Together

Hymn Tune, arr. Johnson, Matt, National Handbell Music

Using the tune KREMSER and 19 bells, this quartet is within the reach of groups with a little experience. Although not necessary, ringers 1 & 2 can use 4-in-hand techniques.

World Communion Handbells

Multiple, arr. Johnson, Matt, Dolce & Nuit Productions

This medley for handbell quartet with piano accompaniment contains the hymns "Let Us Break Bread Together" and "One Bread, One Body".