Deo Gracias

Use: General
Required Resources: Handbells (2-octaves)


A superbly practical composer, J. William Greene uses the modal hymn tune Deo Gracias in a wonderful setting for just two octaves (25) of handbells! Subtitled "Processional Rondo," this piece uses various handbell techniques (brush damp, tower swing) to great effect. The original rondo theme in 6/4 alternates with a rich statement of the hymn tune, a tenor melody with "tower swing" chords above, a fughetta, and a rousing finale.

In various hymnals the tune Deo Gracias (also called Agincourt) is sung with these texts:

• All Hail, Adored Trinity
• O Glorious Lady, Throned in Rest
• O Love, How Deep, How Broad, How High
• O Love of God, How Strong and True
• O Saviour Jesu, Not Alone
• O Wondrous Type! O Vision Fair!
• Praise to Our God, Whose Bounteous Hand
• Sing We Triumphant Hymns of Praise
• Th'Eternal Gifts of Christ the King
• The Glory of These Forty Days
• The Royal Banners Forward Go

Dr. Greene serves as Organist-Choirmaster at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Lynchburg, Virginia. Prior to his present position, Dr. Greene was Organist-Choirmaster of Sacred Heart Cathedral in Rochester, New York, where he directed the Cathedral Choir of 32 voices, trained the cathedral cantors, played for all Masses, and led the School Mass Choirs and Handbell Choir. In 1993 the Cathedral Choir went to Rome for All Saints Day and sang in Saint Peter's Basilica and in a papal audience with Pope John Paul II, along with several concerts in Rome and Assisi. He is well represented in the catalogs of CanticaNOVA Publications and other publishers, and was the Jubilee Year 2000 recipient of CNP's Palestrina Award.