Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence (Childers) (3-5 octaves handbells)

LET ALL MORTAL FLESH KEEP SILENCE – arr. Brian Childers – 3-5 octaves handbells with optional 2 octaves handchimes and optional percussion – Level III

This arrangement leans heavily on the text of the hymn for its inspiration. Directors and ringers will be better armed for ringing to review the hymn text carefully to see how the different phrases are brought to life in the composition. This is especially true in ms 51-58 as the bells dissonances literally sing “the power of hell may vanish as the darkness clears away.” At the beginning of the second verse, bring out the “echo voice” in the bass clef. Again, 82-86 resound with “Alleluia, Alleluia! Lord Most High” before retreating to the opening chords. While percussion parts are optional, every effort should be made to secure and utilize the instruments as they contribute greatly to the overall effect of the music.