Were You There (for 3 & 4 octave handbell choirs) 4-Octaves - Digital Sheet Music

SKU: A0.953738

This is a 3-4 octave, 65 measure handbell choir arrangement of the Christian (and Easter) hymn: "Were You There". OPTIONAL handchimes C4 through D6 are also used, but bells can be substituted for the chimes, if desired. It starts plainly, softly, and slowly, using handchimes. In the next verse, handchimes have the melody in the range from about the middle of the bass clef to the lower parts of the treble clef. Fills and runs are provided by the handbells below and above this handchime range. This section is faster and at a higher dynamic level than the first verse. The last verse uses only handbells, at a double forte dynamic level, in order for the arrangement to have a powerful climax. The chords used here, sound very full. Where there are notes in the 3 octave range that wouldn't work well if played by a 3 octave choir, it is clearly noted that those bells are for a 4 octave handbell choir, only. At the end of the last phrase of the carol, there are three triple forte chords that suggest a repeat of the words: "Were you there?", then a grand pause. The first line of the hymn is then repeated in the subdued, reverent style of the first verse, using handchimes. There is a C9 chord after the last melody note that adds an interesting and ethereal twist to the last chord.