Clarion Festival Overture (Handbell Version)

5 Octave Handbell Ensemble / L6 [5,(5),mallets]

For handbell ensembles who are looking for a challenge, Clarion Festival Overture's difficulty rating of Level 6 is just a hint. This fast-paced and exciting work requires a variety of techniques, including soloistic ringing, on-the-table and suspended malleting, two styles of plucking, and marts. Melodies and themes intertwine in fugal patterns and are often presented in three-level polyphony.

Originally conceived for organ with the intention to invite the to organist dance on his pedal board, Clarion Festival Overture brings that instrument's richness to a new medium. The work begins in 5/4, but doesn't stay there for long, soon switching to 6/4 and 4/4. Clarion Festival Overture also includes extended sections using the complex meters of 11/8 and 7/8, and counting guides appear in the score (3+3+3+2) to assist the ringers and conductor in rehearsal. Tricky rhythms, syncopation, and off-beat accents will keep ringers on their toes.

For ensembles fortunate enough to own 5 octaves of handchimes, Clarion Festival Overture will show off their lowest octaves.

Clarion Festival Overture features robust themes and complex style -- a feast to the ear and the eye that audiences will enjoy right up to its heart-pounding finale.

Instrumentation Required

• 5 octaves handbells
• 5 octaves handchimes (opt.)
• Mallets

AGEHR Level 6

Digital Media Available

• Listen: (5:30)
• Score Preview: PDF (776 KB)
• This work has not yet been professionally recorded. If your ensemble would like to feature this work on your next professional recording and allow us to use that recording here, forzandoArts will refund the cost of your electronic license and waive royalty fees for the recording. For details, please drop a note to This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it
• This digital media is protected under United States and International Law. Copyright 2004, Daniel Reck and forzandoArts. It may not be distributed by any means without the written permission of Daniel Reck.