Second Suite in F: II. Song Without Words (3-5 octaves handbells)

II. SONG WITHOUT WORDS (FROM THE SECOND SUITE IN F) – Gustav Holst/trans. Scott Pfitzinger – 3-5 octaves handbells with optional 3-6 octaves handchimes – Level III

A slow, beautiful song that’s sure to touch the hearts of your audience. If you have the necessary chimes, you can play it as written, mostly on chimes, but with the melody on bells. It also works fine on all bells.

One of Gustav Holst’s most famous compositions, the Second Suite in F for Military Band is a staple of college and high school symphonic bands. This transcription carefully re-creates the sounds, colors, textures, and moods of the original using only bells and optional chimes, with no other instruments. Each movement is a gem, and together they are a real treasure, sure to please any audience.