This is a Christmas piano medley arrangement of the ever-popular holiday number Carol of the Bells and Rachmaninoff’s “The Bells” symphony. The opening theme from The Bells: Movement 2 transitions seamlessly into the familiar 4-note motif of Carol of the Bells. Themes from Movements 1 and 2 of The Bells are blended in throughout for a uniquely classical Rachmaninoff Christmas arrangement. Best for early intermediate pianists and an excellent choice for a holiday concert.
This lesser known French carol has a beautiful melody line written in Dorian mode for a minor feel with a raised sixth that creates a feeling of light and hope in dark times. It is arranged for LH melody in bass clef with rolled RH treble chords as a delicate ringing accompaniment. With many valuable teaching elements for late beginner/early intermediate level pianists, this arrangement is also a beautiful Christmas performance piece.
This beloved holiday carol “Carol of the Bells” is arranged here as a late intermediate to early advanced piano solo. The main 4-note motif is supported by a continually moving accompaniment that begins softly in 4/4 meter and transitions to 3/4 with increasing energy. You can hear the ringing bell tones throughout with changing octaves, crossovers, increasingly broader harmonies, chord modulations, and urgent rhythms that ultimately swell to a climax before returning to 4/4 meter once again for a softer, calming finish. Without question, the Ukrainian Bell Carol is a sure favorite for holiday performances and recitals.