Fantasy on Three American Tunes

Here is a wonderful concert work for handbells that takes three beloved American tunes ("America", "Steal Away", and "The Battle Hymn of the Republic") and develops their expressive possibilities in an engaging way. Mr. Betteridge captures the flavor of each melody in his triptych for bells. "America" is treated richly and majestically, while the simplicity of "Steal Away" is relected in the use of fewer bells. "The Battle Hymn" is given a stirring and rhythmically varied setting, and the piece ends with the full range of bells, giving a rich sonority. This "Fantasy" will find its place in the repertoire of bell choirs everywhere.