| Click the title page below to see a sample score |
| Click below to hear a recording by the Austin Handbell Ensemble. |
| Prayer, Opus 16, No. 2, (1862) is a very flowing and lyrical work originally written for organ. The arpeggiated sixteenth note line that persists throughout is the foundation to a very lyrical chordal melody in the treble which, in this arrangement is performed on the handchimes. The half notes in the bass line are to be rung normally with an immediate controlled diminuendo using the fingertips of the free hand on the outside of the casting. This will produce a throb or pulse feel throughout the piece. In the original organ music, this line is written as quarter note followed by a quarter rest. Using the controlled diminuendo effect will prevent the "womp" sound of fully dampening after quarter notes in that range on handbells. This piece is not difficult to prepare with the exception of the five positions that make up the C4-E5 range. Prayer would be an excellent choice for groups that may have a mixture of very experienced and novice ringers. Be sure to always have a good balance of melody to accompaniment and don't forget to look like you are having fun as you perform! |
