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The Magi
for Five-Octave Handbell Choir with Handchimes and Optional Finger Cymbals, Triangle, and Snare Drum
Based on John Henry Hopkins’s familiar tune KINGS OF ORIENT (We Three Kings), The Magi transforms the traditional carol into a dramatic musical journey. The three principal sections represent Balthasar, Caspar, and Melchior, giving each of the Magi a distinct musical personality while depicting their difficult journey toward Bethlehem.
Beginning quietly in E minor, as though the travelers are approaching “from a distance,” the music gradually builds through changing textures, rhythmic energy, contrasting dynamics, and a variety of handbell techniques. Optional finger cymbals, triangle, and snare drum add color and momentum to the journey. A striking change to F minor marks the arrival in Bethlehem, but the story does not simply end at the manger: sensing danger, the Magi depart by another road. The work gradually recedes, ending with the travelers once again heard far in the distance—returning home profoundly changed by what they have experienced.
Both programmatic and musically engaging, The Magi offers advanced handbell ensembles an expressive setting of a familiar Epiphany melody that moves beyond a traditional carol arrangement to tell the larger story of the journey itself.
LISTEN
MIDI demo recording
LISTEN TO THE DEMO →
One purchase includes an unlimited-copy license for one purchaser and one organization.
Your purchase permits you to print or reproduce as many copies as needed for use by your ensemble or organization. The license is limited to the purchasing individual and one affiliated organization and may not be transferred, shared with another organization, resold, or distributed outside that organization.
Digital PDF download including:
Full score
Percussion score
The Magi
for Five-Octave Handbell Choir with Handchimes and Optional Finger Cymbals, Triangle, and Snare Drum
Based on John Henry Hopkins’s familiar tune KINGS OF ORIENT (We Three Kings), The Magi transforms the traditional carol into a dramatic musical journey. The three principal sections represent Balthasar, Caspar, and Melchior, giving each of the Magi a distinct musical personality while depicting their difficult journey toward Bethlehem.
Beginning quietly in E minor, as though the travelers are approaching “from a distance,” the music gradually builds through changing textures, rhythmic energy, contrasting dynamics, and a variety of handbell techniques. Optional finger cymbals, triangle, and snare drum add color and momentum to the journey. A striking change to F minor marks the arrival in Bethlehem, but the story does not simply end at the manger: sensing danger, the Magi depart by another road. The work gradually recedes, ending with the travelers once again heard far in the distance—returning home profoundly changed by what they have experienced.
Both programmatic and musically engaging, The Magi offers advanced handbell ensembles an expressive setting of a familiar Epiphany melody that moves beyond a traditional carol arrangement to tell the larger story of the journey itself.
LISTEN
MIDI demo recording
LISTEN TO THE DEMO →
One purchase includes an unlimited-copy license for one purchaser and one organization.
Your purchase permits you to print or reproduce as many copies as needed for use by your ensemble or organization. The license is limited to the purchasing individual and one affiliated organization and may not be transferred, shared with another organization, resold, or distributed outside that organization.
Digital PDF download including:
Full score
Percussion score