St. Francis Suite: Toccata #3 (Classical Guitar, Handbell Ensemble and Chamber Orchestra)

ST. FRANCIS SUITE – Kevin McChesney – Classical Guitar, Handbell Ensemble (6-9 ringers playing G4-A7), and Chamber Orchestra

In the “St. Francis Suite,” composer Kevin McChesney offers a series of scenes that reflect his emotions in responding to this astonishing spiritual mentor’s extraordinary words. Just as the music can be related to not one but several of St. Francis’ prayers, there are a number of possibilities for performance of this work through several versions:
Handbell Choir alone
Handbell Choir and Chamber Orchestra
Handbell Choir and Flute Choir
Classical Guitar, Handbell Ensemble, and Chamber Orchestra

Here is the list of original works that make up the Classical Guitar, Handbell Ensemble, and Chamber Orchestra version of the St. Francis Suite: Toccata #1, Interlude #1, Toccata #2, Sonnet, Interlude #2, Toccata #3

Handbells have earned their place at center stage and much wonderful music is written with that purpose in mind. But this is true chamber music for handbells, where the bells are on an equal musical footing with the other instruments of the ensemble, sharing the limelight, passing around the duties of soloist and accompanist. The guitar part, designed for an advanced player, leads the way through a wonderful musical journey that is exciting, beautiful, intimate, romantic, and electrifying. Play all six movements as a full concert work, or individual movements stand alone as well. This is one-of-a-kind music.

Instrumentation and performance notes are available in the PDF preview.

Remember to report public performances with non-church or school organizations to ASCAP as required by law. Also, please send programs from performances to STEP/Sonology Music.