Based on Natalie Sleeth's original musical setting and her adaptation of the familiar Advent text, this arrangement can stand alone as a handbell piece or be used as an accompaniment to the lovely Sleeth choral anthem (CGA273) sung by choir or soloist. (Please note that this arrangement is in the key of C and the choral anthem is in D-flat.) Handbells play stanza one, handchimes alone are preferred for stanza two, and the final stanza combines handbells with the descant (played on either handchimes or a C instrument.) Controlled legato ringing is a necessity for this hauntingly beautiful piece. To give additional meaning when played as a handbell/handchime piece, a narrator may read the anthem text, taking care to speak slowly and freely.
Voicing: 3, 4 or 5 octaves handbells with optional 3 octaves handchimes or solo instrument
Composer: Natalie Sleeth, 1930-1992
Arranger: Martha Lynn Thompson
Season: Advent, Christmas
Level: 2
Additional Resources:
CGA273 O Come, O Come, Immanuel (Unison)
CGA721 O Come, O Come, Immanuel (SAB)