"Etheral, sparkling and mystical" describe the mood of this Christmas arrangement based on the plainsong "Conditor Alme Siderum." Mallets on suspended bells is used extensively, along with free or "random" malleting of sustained chords. Handchimes may be used in various sections or voices at the director's discretion.
Voicing: 2 or 3 octaves handbells with chime tree or wind chimes
This varied arrangement of the hymntune DIX begins simply, with the melody in the treble bells, and the bass providing a flowing, LV eighth-note accompaniment. The handchimes play the second stanza in...