Arr by Peggy Bettcher . . . Praise Hymn Classic . . . 

This is one of the beautiful classic praise hymn pieces in the handbell world, one that flows under and around the melody with the lush chords of the original.   The gentle mildly-syncopated melody is performed through four times (as in the original four verses of the hymn) -- and all four contain the beautiful thread of 8th notes throughout that is a feature of most performed versions.  

 The midbells and upper bass have often the most important parts, as they keep the flow centered -- and the fifth octave of bells adds a beautiful half note depth to the music that it wouldn't otherwise have.  The key changes once, and the four-measure coda ending softens and slows the music into a final resting chord.  

This is great music for a handbell feature in a service, or for a benediction.

• Keys of F and G Major, 4/4 time signature, marked "expressively" 96 speed

• Quarters and 8ths throughout, with easy syncopations and dotted quarter/8ths; there are a very few accidentals, easily done

• There are no special techniques

• Dynamics play an important and sensitive part here -- there are many spots for interpretive phrasing moments -- and are basically mezzo throughout, without lighting any sparks

© 2002  Agape Publishing