Selections from “Pictures at an Exhibition” (3-6 octaves handbells)

SELECTIONS FROM “PICTURES AT AN EXHIBITION” – Modest Mussorgsky/trans. Kevin McChesney – 3-6 octaves handbells – Level III+ to V

This collection includes “Promenade”, “Gnomes”, “The Old Castle”, “Children’s Quarrel After Playing”, and “The Oxcart” – see descriptions below.

PROMENADE (FROM “PICTURES AT AN EXHIBITION”) – Modest Mussorgsky/trans. Kevin McChesney – 5-6 octaves handbells – Level III+

The majestic strains of the opening fanfare from Mussorgsky’s beloved “Pictures at an Exhibition” will fill your worship service or concert hall with stirring, magical sounds. The counting is not as challenging as it first appears with a little practice. A great festival selection!

GNOMES (FROM “PICTURES AT AN EXHIBITION”) – Modest Mussorgsky/trans. Kevin McChesney – 5 octaves handbells (Ab2 optional) – Level V

Exciting, expressive, and atmospheric music for the advanced handbell choir. The familiar movement from Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition” will challenge your ringers, no question, but the end result is electrifying.

THE OLD CASTLE (FROM “PICTURES AT AN EXHIBITION”) – Modest Mussorgsky/trans. Kevin McChesney – 3-5 octaves handbells – Level IV

The droning bass makes this piece work well for the 5 octave choir that is short ringers. And this somber, ethereal movement from Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition” makes a wonderful concert selection for all choirs.

CHILDREN’S QUARREL AFTER PLAYING (FROM “PICTURES AT AN EXHIBITION”) – Modest Mussorgsky/trans. Kevin McChesney – 4-5 octaves handbells (B2 optional) – Level V

It goes by fast! A speedy, exciting concert selection for advanced choirs.

THE OXCART (FROM “PICTURES AT AN EXHIBITION”) – Modest Mussorgsky/trans. Kevin McChesney – 5-6 octaves handbells – Level III+

You can hear the lumbering of the ancient oxcart in this famous movement from Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition.” A fine concert selection that is accessible and rewarding.