Locus Iste

Locus Iste, 3 octaves, level 2, 2024, Score Exchange

This handbell arrangement of "Locus Iste" captures the essence of the beautiful choral motet by Anton Bruckner (1824-1896). He composed the sacred motet “Locus iste” (Locus iste a Deo factus est, which translates to "This place was made by God") in 1869, with the text the Latin gradual for the annual celebration of a church's dedication.

Bruckner set it for four unaccompanied voices, intended for the dedication of the Votivkapelle (votive chapel) at the New Cathedral in Linz, Austria, where Bruckner had been a cathedral organist. This arrangement voicing is clear and balanced, allowing the melodic lines to shine through on handbells.

This accessible score ensures a performance can bring out the expressive phrasing and dynamic contrasts. Whether performed in a church setting or a concert hall, this arrangement evokes a sense of reverence and beauty. This arrangement for 3-octaves handbells, designed to be shorter, and accessible, yet ensuring all ringers have interesting parts, includes handbell techniques tower swing, echo, shake and vibrato.

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