One of the most noble Advent chorales is Es ist ein Ros' entsprungen ("Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming"). Frederick Frahm uses this melody as the basis for his Sinfonia for 3-octaves of handbells. The Sinfonia is in three parts: a peaceful beginning and ending surround the middle Allegro section. The first quiet section explores the intrinsic timbre of the bell tone - it is set basically in two-part texture (melody and harmony). The Allegro section uses an ostinato of alternating sixteenth notes (best played by one ringer) and off-beat eighth notes in the bass. Half note chords surround the melody, played in consecutive fourths. The closing section, marked "Peacefully," begins in two parts and expands to three in a short fantasia on motives from the chorale. This piece would make a beautiful addition to any handbell choir's Advent repertoire.
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