ANGELS AND BELLS
[9:00] 2/1*-2/1-2/1-2/1, 4-3-3-1, timp+3, handbell choir, hp, pno/cel, org, SATB chorus, strings
Commissioned by the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.
Suitable for concert closer or first act closer. Including the carols: "The First Noel," "Carol of the Bells," "Angels We Have Heard on High." Optional audience singalong with "The First Noel" early in the piece.
Mysterious, dark opening (with plaintive English horn fragment of "While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks") suddenly explodes into the entry of the "multitude of the heavenly host" chorus; "The First Noel" receives an extended treatment (three verses, the first unison with optional audience, the second featuring women of the chorus, the third featuring men of the chorus); full handbell choir begins the bright, rhythmic treatment of "Carol of the Bells," then the chorus joins to sing it; an organ interlude sets up the fast, dynamic arrangement of "Angels We Have Heard on High" that builds to a grand and glorious ending.
Commissioned by the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.
Suitable for concert closer or first act closer. Including the carols: "The First Noel," "Carol of the Bells," "Angels We Have Heard on High." Optional audience singalong with "The First Noel" early in the piece.
Mysterious, dark opening (with plaintive English horn fragment of "While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks") suddenly explodes into the entry of the "multitude of the heavenly host" chorus; "The First Noel" receives an extended treatment (three verses, the first unison with optional audience, the second featuring women of the chorus, the third featuring men of the chorus); full handbell choir begins the bright, rhythmic treatment of "Carol of the Bells," then the chorus joins to sing it; an organ interlude sets up the fast, dynamic arrangement of "Angels We Have Heard on High" that builds to a grand and glorious ending.
Video presentation of piano-vocal score: