2010 PraisRing!
2010 NC State Adult Handbell Festival
April 16-17, 2010
Music Listing
COPPERS
Fantasy on Kingsfold, H. Dean Wagner, Agape 2134, ©2000, L2+, 3-6 Octaves, Season: Christmas, Communion; Technique: Mallet, Instrument: Chimes (Choirchimes or Handchimes), Bells Used: Three Octaves: 26 Bells; Four Octaves: 32 Bells; Five Octaves: 39 Bells; Six Octaves: 40 Bells; MHP2134 HB/Optional Chimes (3 Octaves) $4.50, Used as 2005 Adult Mass piece (PraisRing 2005),
Review: "O Sing a Song of Bethlehem," "To Mock Your Reign, O Dearest Lord" and "Come, Let Us Use the Grace Divine" are three hymn texts set to this lovely English tune in the minor mode. Arranger Dean Wagner precedes the entrance of the melody by 17 measures of progressive "noodling" in open spacing. In a later section handchimes perform the melody in the bass clef with an obligato of 4th intervals above. After a full section the arrangement ends softly, mysteriously with mallets on suspended bells.
Capriccio, Kevin McChesney, MAG35131, ©1997, L5, 3-5 oct; Classification: Secular , Church or Concert, Original Composition, Classical Music, Concert; Technique: Mallet, Pl (Pluck), Martellato Lift, Pluck Lift, Sk (Shake), LV (Let Vibrate), Martellato, Mallet Lift; Voicing: Handbells, No Choral; Bells Used: Three Octaves: 31 Bells; Four Octaves: 38 Bells; Five Octaves: 49 Bells. Used in 2009 Youth Bell Festival. MAG35131 $4.95
Review: Capriccio is defined as "an instrumental piece in free form." Composer Kevin McChesney has placed this piece in 7/8 time with occasional 6/8 and 3/8 measures with a middle section in 3/4. The tempo marking is "With fire! quarter = 144 and quarter-dot = 96." Driving eighth-note accompaniment moves the work along while the melody is more a chordal texture than melodic line. Lots of staccato technique is found in the beginning sections before the slower, 3/4 section opts for mallets on suspended bells in the bass and treble bells. Tempo I reappears and adds dramatic mart and mart-lifts. A full shakes and ascending, marted line completes the piece that should have all the ringers hopping! Set in c minor, measures total 150,
Let All Things Now Living, Cathy Moklebust, MCGB170, ©1995, Level 4, 3-5 Octaves; Season: Thanksgiving; Technique: Mallet, Pl (Pluck), TD (Thumb Damp), LV (Let Vibrate), Martellato; Bells Used: Three Octaves: 31 Bells; Four Octaves: 39 Bells; Five Octaves: 46 Bells; MCGB170 $4.50
Review: Rhythmically astounding! The arranger creates a feeling of compound meter alternating with a simple 3 beat measure. Over this constantly changing rhythm is the wonderful "Ashgrove" tune.
TINS
Faith, Paul McKlveen, Jeffers, JHS9396, ©2006, L2+, 3-5 Octaves; Season: All Year; Classification: Church or Concert, Original Composition; Technique: Mallet, Echo, Sw (Swing), LV (Let Vibrate), Selective Damp Voicing: Handbells, No Choral; Bells Used: Three Octaves: 26 Bells; Four Octaves: 34 Bells; Five Octaves: 41 Bells; MJHS9396 Original Composition. $3.25
Review: This original work by Paul McKlveen starts simply with an open, airy texture then progresses to a middle section dotted with special techniques such as echo, toll swings, and mallets. The final section builds in intensity and conveys the strength of a steadfast faith. Measures total 90.
All Night, All Day, Sondra Tucker, Alfred Publishing Inc., MAP23155, ©2004, Level 2+, 3-5 octaves; Classification: Hymn Tune, Spiritual, Church or Concert; Technique: Echo, LV (Let Vibrate); Voicing: Handbells, No Choral; Bells Used: Three Octaves: 27 Bells; Four Octaves: 34 Bells; Five Octaves: 40 Bells; MAP23155 $3.50
Review: This is a lovely, dance-like setting of the familiar spiritual for 3-5 octave handbell choirs. It is appropriate for school, church and concert settings any time of the year. The developing choir will love ringing this piece. It is an excellent choice for teaching dynamics and listening for melody. Dynamics play an important role in defining various sections within the piece while the melody, clearly marked, permeates the entire structure. Set in Eb Major, this piece is 99 measures.
Celtic Farewell, Linda Lamb, AG35210, ©2002, Thanksgiving, L3-, 3-5 Octaves; Season: Thanksgiving , All Saints/Souls Day; Classification: Secular , Church or Concert , Memorial Service , Hope and Remembrance; Technique: Echo , LV (Let Vibrate); Voicing: Handbells, No Choral; Instrument: C Instrument , Flute; Bells Used: Three Octaves: 26 Bells; Four Octaves: 34 Bells; Five Octaves: 42 Bells; MAG35210 HB/Optional Flute or C instrument $4.50
Review: "Thanksgiving and Remembrance" is the subtitle for this original work, which takes its inspiration from Philippians 1:3. An optional part for flute or C instrument is included in the back of the folio. The melody is both plaintive and in minor mode evoking the emotions of a farewell. To emphasize the ethereal nature of the Celtic style, the composer makes use of the echo and LV techniques. Eighty-three measures in length. Listen/Preview: http://www.handbellworld.com/music/MusicPiece.cfm?piece=9207
MASS
God of Grace and Glory, J. Hughes/arr. Kevin McChesney, Concordia Publishing House, 97-6584, , ©1996, , L3, 3-5 Octaves; Technique: Mallet , Pl (Pluck) , TD (Thumb Damp), Voicing: Handbells, No Choral; Bells Used: Three Octaves: 31 Bells; Four Octaves: 40 Bells; Five Octaves: 49 Bells; MCO976584 $4.00
Review: A high-energy arrangement, McChesney opens up with bouncing staccato which reoccurs throughout the arrangement. Harmonies are traditional with a twist, but do manage to stay in one key. Full use is made of all octaves required. Used as 2002 Youth Mass Piece.
Sing Praise To God Who Reigns Above, Mit Freuden Zart/arr. McChesney, AGEHR AG23006, Varies, Thanksgiving, L3 & L4, 2-3 oct (L4) 3-5 oct (L3); Season: Thanksgiving; Classification: Arranged more than once, same key , Hymn Tune; Technique: Mallet , TD (Thumb Damp); Voicing: Handbells, No Choral; Bells Used: Two Octaves: 18 Bells; Three Octaves: 26 Bells; Four Octaves: 34 Bells; Five Octaves: 40 Bells; MAG23006 2-3 Octaves Level 4 $3.50; MAG35181 3-5 Octaves Level 3 $3.50
Review: A rhythmic pattern (8th and 2 16th notes), supporting the "Mit Freuden Zart" tune, is used throughout this arrangement. Much mallet work in the bass clef.
Fanfare Celebration!, Michael Mazzatenta, AGEHR AG23021, L3, 2-3 oct, or 3-5 oct AG35225.; Classification: 2 Handbell Choirs , Arranged more than once, same key , Church or Concert; Technique: Echo , Gyro , Martellato Lift , Sk (Shake) , LV (Let Vibrate) , Martellato; Voicing: Handbells, No Choral; Bells Used: Three Octaves: 33 Bells; Four Octaves: 43 Bells; Five Octaves: 51 Bells; MAG23021 2-3 Octaves $4.25; MAG35225 3- 5 Octaves $4.50.
Review: This piece was the winning composition in the 2003 AGEHR Area III contest in honor of the 50th Anniversary of the AGEHR. These octavos stand alone or may be played together (as in a festival setting). The title is available in two editions, one for 2-3 octave choirs (AG23021) and one for 3-5 octave choirs (AG35225).
The Strife Is O'er, G. Palestrina/Arr by Arnold Sherman, Agape 1847, ©1996, L3, 3-5 oct.; Season: Easter; Technique: Mallet; Voicing: Handbells, No Choral; Bells Used: Three Octaves: 27 Bells; Four Octaves: 35 Bells; Five Octaves: 43 Bells; MHP1847 $4.50. Used as 1997 Adult Mass Piece.
Review: Rhythmically this treatment of Palestrina's tune is not difficult. The added techniques lend the music its charm and challenges novice ringers to grow. A special effect is achieved in the arrangements ending by combining a stacking of shook treble chords along with the echo technique in the bass.,
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