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.
Voicing: 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 oct handbells with optional brass quintet, timpani, organ, SATB choir and congregation
Composer: Felix Mendelssohn
Arranger: Cathy and David Moklebust
Tune: MENDELSSOHN
Text: Charles Wesley
Season: Christmas
Level: 3
Additional Resources:
CGB917 Hark! the Herald Angels Sing - Full Score
CGA1427 Hark! the Herald Angels Sing - Choral Score
CGB918 Hark! the Herald Angels Sing - Handbell Score
CGRP36 Hark! the Herald Angels Sing - Instrumental Parts (brass quintet, timpani)
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