January 2025 - "Ring Out, Wild Bells"

Alfred Lord Tennyson

"Ring Out, Wild Bells" is a poem by Alfred Lord Tennyson, published in 1850 as part of his larger work, "In Memoriam A.H.H." This poignant poem was written in memory of Tennyson's close friend and fellow poet, Arthur Henry Hallam, who passed away unexpectedly at the age of 22. The verses of "Ring Out, Wild Bells" are a reflection on the passage of time and the hope for renewal and transformation. The poem's call to "ring out the old, ring in the new" embodies themes of letting go of past sorrows and embracing a brighter future. Over time, this hopeful message has made the poem a popular choice for New Year's celebrations, as it captures the essence of bidding farewell to the old year and welcoming the new.

The melody commonly associated with Tennyson's poem was composed by John Baptiste Calkin in 1872. Calkin was a renowned English composer and organist known for his contributions to church music. His composition for "Ring Out, Wild Bells" is often referred to as "Waltham”. The tune has also been paired with the Christmas carol “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day”, which was originally a poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Other hymns that use the same melody include “The Day of Resurrection”, and “Fling Out the Banner, Let It Float”.

Here’s a link to a video of a piano instrumental version of the tune:

This arrangement does use the 1+ fret in one place. If you don’t happen to have that fret, you can substitute a harmony note by playing “4” on the melody string at that place instead.

Wishing you all peace, joy, and music throughout the coming New Year!

In music and friendship,

—Tull

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