This piece, which was the second movement of the cantata, was originally written for soprano and contralto duet, accompanied by cellos, double bass, and organ. The handbell arrangement incorporates all these parts. The bells ring the accompaniment parts and the soprano solo while the handchimes ring the contralto solo. The lowest bass line is always malleted while the upper bass line has an interesting and challenging eighth note pattern. Differentiating between accompaniment and solo lines, making the listener aware of both soprano and contralto solo lines, and ringing the piece at a brisk tempo will prove quite challenging to the advanced bell choir.
Voicing: 5 or 6 octaves handbells with 2 octaves handchimes or Bb or C treble instrument
Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
Arranger: Martha Lynn Thompson
Tune: "Wir eilen mit schwachen" from Cantata 78
Level: 5
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