Small Ensemble Handbell,Organ - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.972670 Composed by James Siddons. Christian,Christmas,Contemporary. Score and parts. 9 pages. James Siddons Music and Writings #6593557. Published by James Siddons Music and Writings (A0.972670). This score is for two Readers, handbells (3 octaves) and organ.A medieval folk belief of old Europe was that of all the animals miraculously starting to speak at the birth of the Christ Child. In about 1630, William Austin, a poet and lawyer in London, drew on this traditional belief to write one of his Carrols, for Christmas-day, in which he imagined what the most Stentorian animal of all, the rooster, might say about the new-born Holy Infant in Bethlehem. In setting William Austin’s carrol to music, James Siddons has given the organ the role of creating a soundscape to underpin the drama of Chanticleer’s proclamation. Following each of Austin’s three stanzas (in dramatic recitation by the Readers), an adaptation of the old French tune O Come, Emmanuel is played by handbells in a harmonic style that recalls the pealing of church bells on Christmas morning. This work is appropriate for the beginning of Advent and Christmas day worship, and in a service or program of Christmas music; for example, a service of lessons and carols. The purchase price includes permission to make 14 copies of the score (2 Readers, 8-10 handbell players, organist, and conductor) and permission to video-record a performance for posting on school or church websites and in streaming broadcast.
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