I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

Longfellow wrote this text during the Civil War, while his son was fighting with the Union Army. The angst and agitation is clear in the text “There is no peace on earth”.

Crotales or bells and bass drum are used for accompaniment but both can be covered in the piano if instruments are not available. This music is not difficult and is in the scope of choirs of a wide range of abilities.