SKU: A0.1301689

Caravan is one of Duke Ellington's (1899-1974) most famous compositions—although he didn't actually write it. That credit goes to Puerto Rican trombonist Juan Tizol (1900-1984), a member of the Ellington's big band from 1929 to 1944. Tizol composed the theme in 1936 and promptly sold the rights to lyricist Irving Mills for only $25. The song became an instant hit—jazz critic Ted Gioia expllains that it fit perfectly with the musical exoticism that patrons were demanding at [Ellington's] regular gig at the Cotton Club in Harlem. Indeed, much jazz from this era, especially Ellington's, was steeped in Orientalist aesthetics. Although we hear it now as a self-contained musical phenomenon, we must acknowledge this music's problematics even as we continue to celebrate its progressive and revolutionary qualities. Part of my interest in this piece is in its capacity as a vessel in which I can explore my own multiform identity as an expatriate of the Middle East, a carillonist, and a lover of jazz. This arrangement reflects what might happen when these three perspectives collide. Ellington recorded Caravan more than 100 times, and the names of its additional interpreters reads as a history of jazz itself: Thelonious Monk, Art Blakey, Nat King Cole, Dizzy Gillespie, Wynton Marsalis and dozens more all brought their own spin to the tune. What makes it particularly special, though, is its appeal to listeners outside the jazz fandom. The 2014 film Whiplash introduced mass audiences to the song's unique atmosphere and to the genius of the Duke and his sidemen, thanks to an outstanding big band arrangement by John Wasson. My setting of the tune for the carillon recalls both Duke and Tizol's original version and this more recently popular edition.

In this arrangement, I hope to highlight the carillon's capacity as a percussion instrument, and to use this as a bridge into the world of jazz. A successful interpretation will focus on groove, stratification of voices, and balance. Try to keep the pedals light!

Michael Gancz
2023

Sources:
Gioia, Ted (2012). The Jazz Standards: A Guide to the Repertoire. New York City: Oxford University Press. pp. 58–59.

SKU: A0.862059

Thaxted is an unaccompanied handbell duet based on the hymn tune THAXTED by Holst with allusions to JERUSALEM. The tune rises from a singing bell to build and unfolds throughout the piece between both ringers. Hymn titles commonly sung to this tune are I Vow to Thee My Country, We Praise and Acknowledge You O God, and O God Beyond All Praising. For 3 or 4 octave handbells. Permission is granted to the original purchase of this music to make sufficient copies for their musicians. May NOT be duplicated for multiple groups. Headless Mallets Publishing.

SKU: C7.CGB934

UPC: 749193022146.

Cathy Moklebust's reproducible collection contains several well-known hymn tune arrangements and original compositions for use during various seasons of the church year. Two of the pieces include instrumental parts. Published in compatible editions for 2-3 and 3-5 octaves, this budget-stretching reproducible collection will be a great addition to the libraries of church handbell choirs. Contents: All Things Bright and Beautiful; All Glory, Laud and Honor; God, Who Stretched the Spangled Heavens (Brethren, We Have Met to Worship); Calming Peace (Prayer for Kristin); Thee We Adore, O Hidden Savior; Kyrie, Processional on All Glory, Laud and Honor; Now the Green Blade Rises (Sing We Now of Christmas); Christ the Lord Is Risen Today (From the East the Donkey Came).

SKU: H1.2099DP

Ecclesiastes 3:4 - Mark 1:19 - Matthew 4:21.

Nineteenth century Shaker tune
The text of Lord of the Dance is an elegant picture of the whole of Christ's life - from birth to resurrection - honoring him as Lord of all circumstances of life. The symbolism is that our lives are the dance, and Christ is instructing and leading us in our dance. This handbell setting focuses on the symbol of the dance with a free introduction, followed by several presentations of the tune in a variety of tempi and rhythmic pulses. We dance in praise, with the knowledge that Christ is the Lord of the Dance.

SKU: A0.767633

This BEGINNING HANDBELL CHOIR piece has a lovely melody. Some bells play harmony, so let the melody come through every time. This is Maestro’s favorite advent carol, for as he frequently recalls, I sang a solo in ‘Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus’ when I was in a renowned boy choir many years ago. I understand, from Maestro, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. I’ll reserve comment on that one! This one-octave piece has bells that range from G4 – F#5.  For church, school, or civic organizations.  Key of A, two pages, 1:22 minutes performance time at 90 bpm, but it can be taken faster or slower. 

SKU: C7.CGB1033

UPC: 749193025970.

This exciting arrangement of the first movement Mendelssohn's famous Violin Concerto is sure to bring some Romantic-era flair into your ensemble! The main theme is punctuated by mallets in the bass and lively sixteenth notes in the treble. The middle section presents a beautiful major-key theme on handchimes before returning to minor for a roaring-drive to the cadence. This piece is fun and faithfully captures the energy of a classical masterwork in an accessible arrangement for 3-5 oct. handbell ensemble.

SKU: A0.938905

The opening of Christian Lullaby is based on Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 3,   Part II, Movement No. 5 which features a boys’ choir, female chorus and an alto solo. The hymn section is an original composition inspired from the alto soloist. In the final section, the piece combines both motifs to move to a dramatic ending. Moreover, this arrangement is designed as an opener for any religious ceremony but, it could be played at any event. The arranger is Brian Leverett. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Music Education from Wayne State University and has now retired from teaching band in the Detroit Public Schools. He also have been an avid handbell choir member for twenty years.

SKU: C7.CGB176

UPC: 749193003893.

This is an accessible, attractive Christmas piece combining the two well-known carols: Angels From the Realms of Glory (REGENT SQUARE) and Go, Tell It on the Mountain(GO TELL IT).

SKU: A0.969802

From DNL Music Publishers, this 2-Octave, Level 2 difficulty arrangement is great for small bell ensembles during the holidays. Based on the 14th century tune TEMPUS ADEST FLORIDUM, this title is commonly also known as, Good King Wenceslas.  Appropriate for school or church use.  Duration: 3:12.