Title: Of the Father's Love Begotten

Composer/Arranger/Text
Timothy Shepard
Divinum Mysterium
Sanctus trope, 11th C.


Instrumentation
2 Octave Handbells
2 Octave Handchimes (opt.)


Liturgical Use
Christmas Eve
Communion

Scores Available
Handbell Score

Description

If you are looking for a two octave handbell piece for Christmas Eve communion, look no further. The tune name, "Divinum Mysterium" describes the setting perfectly. The piece is based on change ringing, with two simple changes working concurrently, one with the handbells, the other change happens with the chimes (which can be played with handbells). The Random Ringing measures should last for as long as possible. The section in which the chant is played should be very relaxed but related in tempo to all of the other sections. The piece is easily lengthened or shortened for your time constraints.

"Of the Father's Love Begotten" is not complicated, not terribly original, but very spiritual and very effective. My minister, who more often goes for splashy, commented favorably about this communion meditation.