Handbell Scores
The following titles are representative works from a catalog of handbell music by Frederick Frahm. For a list of additional works, please contact the composer. Click on a link below to see sample pages or to hear an MP3 clip. To order your own copy of any title, click on the order music link. You will be directed to the composer by e-mail, or to a retailer website for published editions.
Bell Poems (12 bells)
A set of three pieces for handbells inspired by poems of George Herbert, Ralph Knevet, and William Cowper. The music is designed to be played with two bells per person (sextet) and without tables. The music is based on 12 note static sets and features a variety of techniques. These are excellent teaching pieces for an advanced ensemble, particularly in the navigation of mixed meter, the reading of both staves, and the juxtaposition of Ring versus Let Vibrate techniques.
Carol Fantasy (9 bells)
An extended work for a small ensemble based on three Christmas Carols: 'Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming', 'In the Bleak Mid-Winter' and 'Angels We Have Heard on High'. Each of the chorale settings is preceeded by a fanfare of prelude section which is freely composed.
Psalm 57 (17 bells)
A challenging work for a small ensemble which features mixed meter, and a variety of ringing techniques to include the use of mallets. Based on a static set of 17 bells, the music proceeds through many moods to illustrate the ecstatic character of the psalm:
Exalt yourself above the heavens, O God,
and your glory over all the earth.
They have laid a net for my feet, and I am bowed low;
they have dug a pit before me, but have fallen into it themselves.
My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast;
I will sing and make melody.
Wake up, my spirit; awake, lute and harp;
I myself will waken the dawn.
I will give thanks to you among the peoples, O LORD;
I will sing praise to you among the nations.
For your steadfast love is greater than the heavens,
and your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.
Exalt yourself above the heavens, O God,
and your glory over all the earth.
Oratio (23 bells)
A 'prayer' for bells that features two sets of bells for 6 performers, a set of coupled diads, and a individual bells rung at different times in the score. The music is very much inspired by the minimal school and makes use of consistently repeated sections. Bell assignments are by staff, and part three can be rung by the conductor. A score and separate parts for the ringers is available.
6 Fantasies for Organ and Bells (8 bells & organ)
A collection of six pieces designed for a handbell quartet and organ. The set comprises a liturgical year with pieces suitable for Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter, and Pentecost. The organ parts are largely for manuals only, with an occasional use of a pedal note. The handbell parts are designed to be rung without tables (using just music stands), and the music for bells is easily learned in a few rehearsals by an ensemble with average skills. All of the pieces are playable with a three octave set, and several with a two octave set. An organ full score and separate parts (treble clef) for the ringers is available.