Carol of the Bells Piano
The Carol of the Bells is a beautiful Christmas piece that is extremely atmospheric and I am sure that you will enjoy learning this arrangement for piano. The piano notes are quite simple, but require a lightness of touch to fully create the ethereal mood of the piece. The music was written by the Ukranian composer Mykola Leontovych – as a result, it is sometimes referred to as the Ukrainian bell carol. There are also some lyrics to the song which were written by Peter Wilhousky.
Carol of The Bells Piano Notes
The Carol of the Bells piano sheet music is in the key of G minor (2 flats – B flat and E flat).
The main melody of the piece is based around a 4 note ostinato pattern that is repeated and then transposed. There are also some sequences used.
The actual ostinato pattern is very simple to learn, but it is really important to take time to develop the articulation and phrasing of the notes. There is a real “ethereal” quality to the riff which needs to be captured to prevent it sounding mechanical and repetitive.
The left hand is very simple with repeated dotted quaver (half note) rhythm. This should be played smoothly – almost as though it is a bassline being bowed by a cello.
The rhythmic feel of the piece is a very clever combination of both 3/4 and 6/8 time feel.
The piece is written with a 3/4 time signature, but the bass movement implies a 6/8 timing built upon 2 measures.
This interplay between the two timings gives it a dreamy dance-like quality.
Lyrics
Here are the words to the Carol of The Bells song:
Hark how the bells,
sweet silver bells,
all seem to say,
throw cares away
Christmas is here,
bringing good cheer,
to young and old,
meek and the bold.
Ding dong ding dong
that is their song
with joyful ring
all caroling.
One seems to hear
words of good cheer
from everywhere
filling the air.
Oh how they pound,
raising the sound,
o’er hill and dale,
telling their tale.
Gaily they ring
while people sing
songs of good cheer,
Christmas is here.
Merry, Merry, Merry, Merry Christmas,
Merry, Merry, Merry, Merry Christmas.
On on they send,
on without end,
their joyful tone
to every home.
Ding dong ding… dong!
The lyrics are still under copyright to Carl Fischer Music.
