Contemplation on Pleading Savior

Pleading Savior was one of the folk hymn tunes included in The Christian Lyre, the first hymn collection which printed music (treble and bass), published by Joshua Leavitt in 1831. This arrangement for handbells includes the lovely melody featured in both bells and chimes and in treble and bass clefs, enhanced by contrapuntal counter-melodies, and sonorous bass lines. Nicely placed LVs plus occasional echoes, TD, and mart-lifts provide nice accents. There are many LV passages and care should be taken to watch for the ‘damp’ symbol on individual notes. Groups may want to use DD (delay damp) so the LVs do not become too dense. Optional low chimes (C2 – F2) add a wonderful foundation to this work. Addition of optional rainstick is a nice touch for the beautiful, introspective setting.