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Volume III (1981) Print E-mail
Volume III (1981) Volume III

The 1981 Allegro Handbell Choir

Released: 1981
Original Medium: Vinyl Record, 33 rpm

Historical Note
Volume III was the last record pressed by the choir, but was first the recording to feature Allegro's current director, Michael Surratt.  It was recorded studio-style in early 1981, and contains about 45 minutes of music.  Side one is holiday music, while side two presents four original handbell compositions and an implementation of Scott Joplin's Maple Leaf Rag, which was performed directly from the piano score.   The length of each piece was not originally printed on the record jacket, but was determined when the recording was remastered for The First 40 Years (Volume XI), on which some cuts appear.

From the Jacket

The Allegro Handbell Choir, formed about eighteen years ago, is composed of fourteen high school age members with two to seven years' ringing experience.  An integral part of the music program of The Union Church of Hinsdale (United Church of Christ), the group also performs for a variety of civic, charitable, educational and professional organizations, as well as guest appearances at other churches.  The yave toured extensively in the United States, Europe and Canada.

Conducted by Michael Surratt, Director of Music and Organist at the Union Church since 1979, the bell ringers perform with five octaves (61) of Schulmerich bells, made in Sellersville, Pennsylvania.

Track List
from the jacket

SIDE ONE  
Track Title Time Composer, Arranger
1.
Gloria
1:08 arr. Frances Legge Callahan
2.
Sleigh Ride
3:13
Leroy Anderson,
arr. Robert Ivey
3.
Silver Bells
2:19
Jay Livingston & Ray Evans,
arr. Ralph F. Stiles
4.
Deck the Halls
1:42
Old Welsh Air,
arr. Robert Ivey
5.
Greensleeves
2:57
Old English,
arr. Robert Ivey
6.
Carol of the Bells 2:12
Mykolo Leontovich,
arr. Hart Morris
 
 
SIDE TWO
 
Track
Title Time Composer, Arranger
1. Flourish and Dance
3:27 Albert Zabel
2.
Fanfare and Festival Dance
2:58
Richard E. Frey
3.
Sharon's Song
3:57 Donald E. Allured
4.
Silverthorne
6:42
Donald E. Allured
5.
Maple Leaf Rag
3:32
Scott Joplin
[performed from
the piano score]

 

Recording Credits
from the jacket

The Ringers (clockwise from lower left as on record jacket): Jim Holt, Jennifer Purdy, Kirstin Lawrence, Martin White, Edith Wood, Caroline Muller, Laura Bull, (Michael Surratt, Director), Tammy Teschner, Laura Junta, Susan Coats, Lynn Compton, Nancy Bogg, John Purdy, Anne Girton.

The Director (top center on record jacket): Michael Surratt

Recorded  in the Sanctuary of The Union Church of Hinsdale, 137 South Garfield Avenue, Hinsdale, Illinois 60521 on January 25 and February 1, 1981.

Producer: Michael Surratt
Recording Engineer: Gerald G. LeCompts
Record Album Coordinator:  J. R. Stemke, Elite Records, Schaumburg, IL
Cover Design and Photography by: Bruce Chlevin
Graphics: Warren Hannas, Vision Studios, LaGrange, IL

This recording is copyright 1981 by the Allegro Handbell Choir and the Union Church of Hinsdale, Illinois.

Last Updated ( Friday, 29 December 2006 )
 
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Allegro Handbell Ensemble
Union Church of Hinsdale
137 South Garfield Avenue
Hinsdale, Illinois 60521

phone: 630-323-4303
fax: 630-323-4407

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