CGB949 How Far Is it to Bethlehem?
Description
This engaging setting of the English carol, STOWEY (How Far Is it to Bethlehem) also incorporates the CRADLE SONG tune of Away in a Manger and snippets of Brahms' Lullaby. The first 2 stanzas are full-chord settings of the two carols with short interludes connecting the two. The last stanza returns to How Far Is It to Bethlehem rung on handchimes beneath a descant played with mallets on suspended handbells. The use of mallets is optional. The setting is accessible for young ringers, but also effective and enjoyable for more experienced ringers.
Voicing: 3, 4 or 5 octaves handbells with optional 3 or 5 octaves handchimes
Composer: Traditional English; William Kirkpatrick
Arranger: Martha Lynn Thompson
Tune source: STOWEY; CRADLE SONG
Season: Christmas
Level: 2
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