On the hunt for interesting repertoire to program

[Fred Gramann]

Hello, composers! I'm looking for interesting level 4-6 repertoire to program for the 2026 Bay View Week of Handbells. If you have something I could review, whether in or out of the box, please contact me at grama...@gmail.com. Many thanks!

[Linda Krantz]

Here you go Mark!!

Linda Krantz

Sent from my iPhone

On Sep 1, 2025, at 12:35 AM, Fred Gramann <grama...@gmail.com> wrote:

Hello, composers! I'm looking for interesting level 4-6 repertoire to program for the 2026 Bay View Week of Handbells. If you have something I could review, whether in or out of the box, please contact me at grama...@gmail.com. Many thanks!

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[lgb.list]

Hi Fred, I have two that might interest you.

1. "Farewell Bells," an adaptation of the finale of Hadyn's Farewell Symphony, where the players leave the stage one by one (attached). 4-6 octaves.

2. "Pizzicato Ostinato," published by Beckenhorst, an adaptation of the scherzo from Tchaikovsky's Symphony #4. 5-6 octaves.
https://www.jwpepper.com/pizzicato-ostinato-10188466-206457/p

Lee Barrow

On 9/1/25 3:35 AM, Fred Gramann wrote:

Hello, composers! I'm looking for interesting level 4-6 repertoire to program for the 2026 Bay View Week of Handbells. If you have something I could review, whether in or out of the box, please contact me at grama...@gmail.com. Many thanks! --

[bfbfb...@gmail.com]

Hello Fred,

 

Here’s a piece that’s unusual, out-of-the-box, and creative.  By the end of the piece, all of the ringers in the choir have created their own miniature bell trees, and the piece ends with everyone playing suspended bells with mallets.  If chosen, I’ll come play the bell tree part for you or find another who can.

 

It’s: https://www.handbellworld.com/music/preview.cfm?stocknum=MFM20381HB

 

Barb Brocker

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[bfbfb...@gmail.com]

So embarrassed.  I meant that to go only to Fred.

Barb Brocker

[Paul Kinney]

Fred Gramann asked for pieces to play at Bay View next year.

So glad you asked!

I have a transcription of the first movement of Bach's Brandenburg Concerto #3. This concerto is for strings only and individual players have short solos, stepping out from the ensemble. My arrangement gives those solos to chimes or different kinds of bells (Whitechapel, Silver Melody, P&F). I didn't assign which line gets which type because it depends on what is available and the range. It is nearly constant 16th notes, though I see the Bay View crowd can handle that.

I also have an arrangement of the Love Theme from the original Christopher Reeve Superman movie for bells and chimes. I'd have to get permission for it, which I hear isn't easy.

I've also got a couple other unpublished pieces that are a bit harder to describe.

Paul Kinney
bel...@comcast.net

[Jeannie Cushman]

The repertoire this year made for the most delightful concert I've rung in ages!  Thank you!

We tried to play this, Ícaro, by Felix Martinez, at DBW22 with Carlos Avila Báez.  I loved the challenge of the rhythms, and poly rhythmic lines.  

 

I rang P8, and did a lot of walking in the hallway to solidify my timing as I learned it.  Now that I've looked it up, I keep playing the recording that's on YouTube. 

I like that the difficulty is not the speed or technique but the rhythms.  As a classically trained violinist who loves baroque music, this piece is out of character for me.  It may be too much even for Bay View?!

Jeannie Cushman 

https://shop.fromthetopmusic.com/module/iqitsearch/searchiqit?s=%C3%8Dcaro

"Original work by Félix S. Martínez for 6 octaves handbells ~ Level 6

Click here to order: https://fromthetopmusic.com

The word, Ícaro, means “magic song” in some languages, and ‘magic song’ certainly reflects the creativity of this amazing piece!

Beginning in 5/4, the malleted bass line, which was the initial inspiration for this work, establishes the pattern that is present throughout the 5/4 sections. A mid-range melody line enters followed by a higher treble melody that engages all the parts in a melodic, flowing contrapuntal interplay. It then segues to an engaging Latin jazz ‘B’ section written in 3/4 before returning to the 5/4. Rung at Vivo! tempo, this piece requires precise, accurate ringing and damping in order for the clarity of the writing to shine. Ícaro is an amazingly creative work that will be a fun challenge for all Bronze level groups!  

Ícaro was chosen for Distinctly Bronze-West, October 2022."

Before you wonder "Am I doing things right," ask "Am I doing the right things?"

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[Lorraine Griepentrog]

Haven't seen a Rudy for a while.

Lorraine Griepentrog

snail5...@yahoo.com

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[bfbfb...@gmail.com]

Glad to oblige.

bb

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[Linda Krantz]

Wow Jeannie, that is quite a piece!  I loved listening to it (do I think I could play it??  Not so sure!!!!!)

Linda Krantz 🎶
After silence, that which comes closest to expressing the inexpressible is music. 

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