Dabellla by Isaac Wan

 "Dabelllah!" is basically the translated pronunciation of 'let's ring!' in Cantonese and grew out of the composer calling everyone to stop chatting and begin rehearsing. Dabelllah! has remained an “inside joke” among the Volitio Ringers in Hong Kong.

The piece was inspired by 'Capriccio' by Kevin McChesney – the famous engaging work which attracted Isaac to handbells. The contrast between the fierceness of the main theme and the more peaceful style of the middle theme is reminiscent of ‘Capriccio.’  

Isaac wrote: "I still remember feeling the fun of handbells when ringing fierce pieces like Capriccio when I was in high school, and therefore I hope this piece would also bring the joy of ringing handbells to more ringers. To me, this piece shows exactly the togetherness of handbells, which is a primary reason I love handbells."

Written basically in 7/8 time, techniques include Ring, bells malleted on table, mallet-lift, singing bell, suspended bells, mart, mart-lift, and LV passages as well as handchimes for added interest. This is certain to engage both ringers and audience alike!

Level 4