Arr by Linda Lamb . . . Traditional Tune . . . 

This is a superb arrangement of Chris Tomlin's contemporary Christian hymn, full of sensitivity and nuance and beautiful writing.  The Level 3 performance problems come entirely with the syncopations -- Linda keeps true to the "sung nuances" of the original, which means 8th/16th combinations and quarter/8th combinations in every way in all the mid and treble bells -- your choir must be well grounded in Level 3 rhythm to play this.   The Amazing Grace melody and the My Chains Are Gone countermelody are done several times through, and the soft ending is very true to the original, with suspended malleting and handchimes in the middle battery closing things out softly.  

This is a terrific handbell feature piece in a contemporary service, or in any service needing beautiful modern hymns.

Handchimes are necessary in this piece -- 13 in all, from C4 up to C6.

• Keys of F and C Major, 4/4 time signature, marked "tenderly"  63 speed

• Syncopated 8th/16th/quarter rhythms in all the upper bells, quarter/half notes in the battery and bass; there are only a couple of lonesome accidentals at the key change

• Suspended malleted bells at the end are the only special techniques

• Dynamics range from soft at the beginning and end up to a climactic forte in the middle

© 2012  Lorenz Publishing