Scott Pfitzinger

Scott Pfitzinger has been composing, directing, and/or playing handbells (especially bass) since the early 1990s. He was composer-in-residence for Embellish Handbell Ensemble in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the Circle City Ringers in Indianapolis, Indiana, and now the Great River Ringers in La Crosse, Wisconsin. In 2010 he graduated summa cum laude from Butler University in Indianapolis with a M.M. in music composition. He works as a librarian at the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse and recently had a major reference book published, called Composer Genealogies: A Compendium of [over 17,000] Composers, their Teachers, and Their Students.

Appalachian Sunrise (3-5 octaves handbells)

APPALACHIAN SUNRISE - Scott Pfitzinger - 3-5 octaves handbells - Level II

This is a lovely, poignant piece that paints a musical picture of a quiet sunrise in the mountains. Can be used as a meditative piece for a church service or as a concert piece. Try it on all chimes for an especially gentle feel.

Musical Score
$25.00

Ave Verum Corpus (2 octaves handbells)

AVE VERUM CORPUS - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart/arr. Scott Pfitzinger - 2 octaves handbells with 3-5 octaves handchimes (or 3-5 octaves handbells) - Level III

This simple and reverent Eucharistic hymn by Mozart, originally for SATB choir, strings, and organ, is designed to allow the melody to shine on bells while the accompaniment is played on chimes. However, it can be played on all bells or chimes if desired. While particularly effective in a worship service or mass, this piece can also add a touch of simple elegance and reverence to a concert.

Musical Score
$25.00

Bride's Name Here's Theme (4-6 octaves handbells)

<BRIDE'S NAME HERE>'S THEME - Scott Pfitzinger - 4-6 octaves handbells - Level III

Musical Score
$25.00

Celestial Impressions (3-6 octaves handbells)

CELESTIAL IMPRESSIONS - Scott Pfitzinger - 3-6 octaves handbells - Level II

This original Level 2 piece has a celestial and nebulous feeling, a relaxed and free tempo with beautiful layers of sound. It is based on Psalm 148:2-4, calling on the heavenly hosts to praise God. 

2 Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his heavenly hosts.
3 Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all you shining stars.
4 Praise him, you highest heavens and you waters above the skies.

Musical Score
$20.00

Larghetto (3-5 octaves handbells)

LARGHETTO (FROM SINFONIA NO. 11) - Georg Benda/arr. Scott Pfitzinger - 3-5 octaves handbells - Level III

Georg (Jiri) Benda was a Czech composer known for writing operas and melodramas. This is a transcription of the second movement of his Sinfonia #11, capturing the sounds and colors of the original. Although the notation may make it look fast, this was the slow movement of his sinfonia. It should be played lightly and only quick enough to keep it fun.

Musical Score
$25.00

Los Peces en el Rio (4-6 octaves handbells)

LOS PECES EN EL RIO - Mexican/arr. Scott Pfitzinger - 4-6 octaves handbells - Level IV

This piece combines two Mexican Christmas songs, "Los Peces en el Rio" and "Dale, Dale, Dale." Variations on the first theme involve many techniques, including malleting (suspended and on the table), plucks, pluck-lifts, and gyros. The piece ends with a rousing rendition of "Dale, Dale, Dale," which Mexican children sing when trying to hit the piñata, getting faster and faster, with marts simulating the swings at the piñata.

Musical Score
$25.00

Minute Waltz (3-7 octaves handbells)

MINUTE WALTZ - Frederic Chopin/trans. Scott Pfitzinger - 3-7 octaves handbells - Level IV

Chopin's "Minute Waltz" is a favorite classical piano piece and is only "minute" because it is small. Handbell ensembles are welcome to take this at any tempo they choose, without pressure that it should take only one minute to play.

$25.00

Once In Royal David's City (3-6 octaves handbells)

ONCE IN ROYAL DAVID'S CITY - Henry J. Gauntlett/arr. Scott Pfitzinger - 3-6 octaves handbells - Level IV

This Christmas hymn was originally written to explain part of the Apostles' Creed about the birth of Jesus. Arranged for 3-6 octaves of handbells, this arrangement begins very traditionally, but quickly morphs into a jazzy, rhythmic setting that, while not swung, is definitely syncopated. Two key changes keep the momentum building all the way to the end. Definitely a crowd pleaser for any Christmas concert.

Musical Score
$25.00

Ravel's Bolero (4-6 octaves handbells)

RAVEL'S BOLERO - Maurice Ravel/arr. Scott Pfitzinger - 4-6 octaves handbells with optional 3 octaves handchimes - Level V

A fun arrangement of the famous "Bolero" that uses a variety of styles and techniques, including New Age, Swing, March, and Hard Rock, building up to bombastic finale. A challenge to play but a blast to perform!

Musical Score
$25.00

Rondo Azzurro (3-7 octaves handbells)

RONDO AZZURRO - Scott Pfitzinger - 3-7 octaves handbells - Level IV

This original piece (the title means "Blue Rondo" in Italian) has a jazzy, syncopated feel with several "tricky spots" loaded with accidentals. The strong, driving rhythms continue all the way to the end!

Musical Score
$25.00