Carol of the Bells

Writer: 
Leontovych/Wilhousky
Year: 
1916
Voices: 
Women's four part
Ranges: 

Tenor: A3 - E5
Lead: B3 - B4
Bari: A3 - B4
Bass: B3 - G4

This carol is based on a traditional Ukranian folk melody, with English words added in the early 20th century. This arrangement uses overlapping textures between the voice parts to give the sense of the way bells continue to resonate after being struck. For most of the time the four parts are working in two sets of two, with roles largely interchangeable - just going into full four-part harmony at key moments for dramatic effect.