The First Noel

Absolutely stunning!  Jason Krug uses malleted sounds on high bells, handchimes and legato ringing to depict the starry sky over Bethlehem in this gorgeous setting of the carol we love at Christmastime.  An accessible Level 3 composition, this does have steady eighth-note motion and a few chromatics for harmonic color.  But it stays in one key, keeps a relaxed tempo and uses only eight handchimes to maximum effect.  Beautifully conceived and realized!