Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and Burning

This arrangement of a favorite spiritual often was used as a ‘work song’ which brought comfort and hope – is rooted in the Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins found in the gospel of Matthew, Chapter 25. It begins with lower bells softly malleted on the table with shakes in treble bells, all in crescendo until the actual song begins. The expressive marking reads “With Anticipation” – and that sets the tone for this setting. Malleted notes, LV, echoes, TD, dynamics, and tempo changes work beautifully to convey a spirit of hope. The stems-up bass ring/tie counter-pattern in m. 52 and similar measures to the end is intentional to keep building a sense of motion. 

This will be a favorite of ringers and audience alike!