Arr by Lloyd Larson . . . Lent/Easter Hymn . . . 

This is a simple and lovely melody (the hymn tune is Redhead, named after its composer) that is repeated and expanded with chords into a full ff presentation with a slightly syncopated bass -- and then later beautifully subsides into a soft and chordal ending.   It is associated with Psalm 51, a repentance psalm, and fits nicely into Lenten presentation for a handbell choir.

 The music begins simply, with single notes gradually adding another line as harmony -- the internal sections repeat as 8th notes are added in the mid-bells, and a key change adds full chords into the ff.  It is a good length (67 measures) for a service feature, and, although marked Level 3-, really is a Level 2 in performance (the Level 3 is for a few easy accidentals and easy syncopations).  The hymn-tune is a bit unusual, but the arrangement is superb.

• Keys of C and Eb and G Major, 4/4 time signature, marked "hauntingly, freely" 84 speed

• Quarter notes mostly, with some 8th notes; there are very occasional accidentals, none hard to do

• A final suspended mallet is the only special technique

• Dynamics run from p to ff, with substantial chances for phrasing and interpretation

© 2012  Beckenhorst Publishing