Instrumentation (Hmc2355a): Full Score, Pno (4-Hand), Handbells, Timpani, Perc. (Brake Drum, Orch. Chimes, Sus. Cymbal) HMC2355b: larger-size score, formatted for clarity and ease of page turns for the pianists The text by Charles Anthony Silvestri traces the formation of a bell: bronze, mined from earth, first formed into weapons of war, then melted down and recast as a bell to toll for vespers, and eventually pealing out in victory and joy. The accompaniment of four-hand piano optional handbells and percussion vividly paints the metallic sounds and bell imagery of the text. The metaphor for turning from war to peace makes the piece suitable for patriotic occasions, earth day, world peace day, and others.
