Looking for a special piece for Lent that will provide your ringers with a worshipful experience? At ChimeWorks, we have searched our product store for the most meaningful Lenten pieces that are our favorites. The recommendations below range from Levels 1 to 3 and include traditional and contemporary classics. Surely, there is something for everyone on our list!
When choosing repertoire, keep in mind the strengths and weaknesses of your choir such as “chime” changes and complex rhythms, etc. Also, choose music that they can be prepared comfortably in the amount of rehearsal time involved. Ringing an easier piece beautifully is more satisfying to the ringer and listener than struggling through a more difficult piece. If your ringers are relaxed while they ring, they will be able to focus on the message and beauty of the selection.
All of the music below is available for immediate purchase and digital download on the ChimeWorks site:
Oh Love, How Deep (3 Octaves)
- Author/Composer/Arranger: Bruce W. Tippette
- Level: Level 1+
This sturdy hymn tune serves well to set the tone for worship during the Lenten season. It opens with a simple statement of the melody and slowly evolves into an expanded voicing of the original hymn, utilizing LV arpeggios across the ensemble between verses.
O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus (3 – 5 Octaves)
- Author/Composer/Arranger: Ludwig Van Beethoven arr. Linda R. Lamb
- Level: Level 1+
Linda Lamb has combined portions of Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata” with the hymn tune EBENEZER to create this charming Level 1+ piece. The tune EBENEZER is associated with a variety of other hymn texts including “Once to Every Man and Nation.”
What Wondrous Love Is This (2 – 3 Octaves) (3 – 5 Octaves)
- Author/Composer/Arranger: Susan Geschke
- Level: Level 1+
This tender setting of the beloved Appalachian folk song may be played by either handbells or handchimes. With minimal bell changes and easy techniques such as shake and echo, this piece provides an excellent opportunity for expressive, sensitive ringing. This arrangement is especially effective during Lent and Holy Week or any time of quiet meditation.
Sheep May Safely Graze (2 – 3 Octaves)
- Author/Composer/Arranger: J. S. Bach arr. Sharon Elery Rogers
- Level: Level 2-
This gently flowing music is based on one of Bach’s most beautiful, haunting tunes. It is often heard as a choral anthem or a vocal or organ solo. With the constant ringing of solid chords building to a crescendo in the middle section, the use of a few techniques such as TD, mallets, or SK (with vibrato when rung by handchimes) are sprinkled throughout to reach a forte climax. The piece then closes with a more subdued ending.
Lamb of God with There Is a Redeemer (3 – 5 Octaves)
- Author/Composer/Arranger: Melody Green, Twila Paris arr. Peggy Bettcher
- Level: Level 2
Two contemporary classics are set together beautifully in this arrangement.
My Jesus, I Love Thee (3 – 6 Octaves)
- Author/Composer/Arranger: Brenda Austin
- Level: Level 2
Brenda Austin gives us a heartfelt and expressive arrangement of the beloved 19th century hymn. A straight-forward setting of the hymn serves as a contrasting middle section.
Pie Jesu (3 – 5 Octaves)
- Author/Composer/Arranger: Andrew Lloyd Webber arr. Douglas E. Wagner
- Level: Level 2
This beautiful setting from Webber’s Requiem will be a favorite for your ringers and audience. It is perfect for beginning ringers as it has no “bell” changes.
Nearer, My God to Thee (3 – 5 Octaves)
- Author/Composer/Arranger: Susan Geschke
- Level: 2
Rising like a gentle prayer, this expressive setting of an old favorite is fresh and memorable. Lush legato ringing creates an elegant beauty that will linger in listeners’ hearts long after the final notes fade away.
My Song Is Love Unknown (3 – 7 Octaves)
- Author/Composer/Arranger: John Ireland arr. Cathy Moklebust
- Level: Level 2+
- Options: Oboe or other C Instrument
This arrangement of English composer John Ireland’s tune LOVE UNKNOWN has been enhanced with an original melody and an optional oboe counter melody. A minor key in the second verse creates a solemn mood befitting the passion of Jesus. The final verse is triumphant, and features a soaring oboe descant.
Walking with Jesus (3 – 6 Octaves)
- Author/Composer/Arranger: H. Dean Wagner
- Level: Level 3
“Walking with Jesus” combines three hymns: “I Want Jesus to Walk with Me” (SOJOURNER), “O Master, Let Me Walk with Thee” (MARYTON) and “Come, O Thou Traveler Unknown” (CANDLER.) This meaningful arrangement takes us on a journey of faith with our Savior through the valleys and mountains of life, and ends in the serene peace of heaven.