This very flexible arrangement of the beloved carol may be played by bells alone, or together with any or all of the optional forces. A handbell peal accompanied by bell tones in the trumpets is featured in the introduction to this sparkling arrangement. Stanza 1 is fully scored, with the choir in 4 parts. Stanza 2 begins with men's voices accompanied by low brass, with the upper treble handbells playing a lightly thumb-damped, rhythmic countermelody. The women's voices and high brass then take the lead, accompanied by malleted bass bells. After a brief interlude, stanza 3 features a descant in the soprano voices and bells. A short, optional ending is provided following the final stanza. Since all the additional parts are optional, this arrangement is a versatile addition to the handbell Christmas repertoire. |
