3-7 octaves – Level 3-4 (see below)
Total Duration: ~12:00

by Gustav Holst
arranged by Scott Pfitzinger

Some of the most popular pieces by Gustav Holst are his suites for military band. The 2nd Suite for Military Band consists of the following four movements:

• March – Level 4 (arr. for 3-7 octaves of bells & 3 octaves of chimes)
• Song Without Words – Level 3 (arr. for 3-5 octaves of bells and 3-5 octaves of chimes)
• Song of the Blacksmith – Level 4 (arr. for 4-5 octaves of bells)
• Fantasia on the ‘Dargason’ – Level 4 (arr. for 5-6 octaves of bells and 5 octaves of chimes)

This Suite may be purchased all together or in individual movements. To preview or purchase individual movements, click on their titles above.

3-5 octaves of bells and/or chimes – Level 3
Duration: 2:29

by Gustav Holst
arranged by Scott Pfitzinger

This hauntingly beautiful melody was originally played on oboe. In this arrangement, the melody is played on bells while all the harmony is on chimes.

To hear a demo of this piece: Audio Demo
To view the first few pages: Preview

4-6 octaves – Level 3
Duration: 2:05

by Luigi Boccherini
transcribed by Scott Pfitzinger

This piece was originally called “I spagnoli si divertono per la strada” and was written for string quintet. The piece made use of quadruple stops, with the players actually strumming the instruments like guitars. This particular number has also become popular through its presence in the movie Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World, where Russell Crowe (as Capt. Jack Aubrey, and, yes, he actually learned to play violin enough to perform it for real in this movie) and Paul Bettany play it on the ship with just a violin and cello.

A fun little interlude of a piece (only about 2 minutes long) with a melody that moves around within the bell ranges. No key changes or tempo changes, and only a moderate amount of technique variance. Suitable for any occasion where a light-hearted change of pace is needed.

To hear a demo of this piece: Audio Demo
To view the first few pages: Preview

3-5 octaves – Level 3
Duration: 3:08

by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
arranged by Scott Pfitzinger

A beautiful and reverent choral number reflecting those qualities in the Eucharist, this piece by Mozart has been arranged in a unique way, with the melody (soprano line) on handbells and the accompaniment (and other voice parts) on chimes.

To hear a demo of this piece: Audio Demo
To view the first few pages: Preview

3-6 octaves & SATB choir – Level 3
Duration: 2:45

Austrian folk tune
arranged by Scott Pfitzinger

A simple, uncomplicated arrangement for mixed choir and handbells of a traditional Austrian Christmas carol whose title translates “A Baby in the Cradle.” The beauty of this song is in its simplicity and the balance between handbells and choir.

Purchased sheet music includes full score and separate choral part in one PDF file.

To hear a demo of this piece: Audio Demo
To view the first few pages: Preview

4-6 octaves – Level 3
Duration: 7:28

by Frederic Chopin
transcribed by Scott Pfitzinger

Chopin’s “Funeral March” (from his Piano Sonata Op.35) has long been used in cartoons and other settings when a feeling of doom is needed. This is the entire piece, including the middle section that is rarely heard. Every note, color, and technique from the original piano work has been painstakingly included in this transcription for 4-6 octaves of handbells.

Perfect for fall concerts, programs of cartoon music, or any time a less common classical piece is needed.

To hear a demo of this piece: Audio Demo
To view the first few pages: Preview

3-5 octaves – Level 3
Duration: 4:39

by Georg Benda
transcribed by Scott Pfitzinger

George Benda lived from 1722 to 1795. Some of his most popular music is his collection of Sinfonias, which are most often performed (and recorded) by his descendant, Christian Benda, who conducts the Prague Chamber Orchestra.

This Larghetto movement is from the 11th of Benda’s Sinfonias. It is not very long, but because of the slow, relaxed pace, it takes about four and a half minutes to perform. Don’t let the dotted-sixteenths scare you; the tempo makes them playable and even fun in a lilting sort of way.

To hear a demo of this piece: Audio Demo
To view the first few pages: Preview

4-6 octaves – Level 2-4 (see below)
Total Duration: ~11:20

by Scott Pfitzinger

This suite combines original melodies with familiar hymn tunes. The three movements can be played all together or individually. A performance suggestion is to use all three during a church worship service. The three short pieces can be used for the Prelude, Offertory, and Postlude.

1. Exaltation – Level 3 (for 4-6 octaves)
2. Reverence – Level 4 (for 4-6 octaves)
3. Worship – Level 2 (for 4-5 octaves)

This Suite may be purchased all together or in individual movements. To preview or purchase individual movements, click on their titles above.

4-6 octaves – Level 3
Duration: 2:17

by Scott Pfitzinger

The opening movement of this suite, “Exaltation” is full of life and energy. Just right for a prelude, opening a worship service, uplifting both God and the listening congregation.

To hear a demo of this piece: Audio Demo
To view the first few pages: Preview