Premier of “When All Else Fails”: A Groundbreaking Work for Handbells and Ensemble

This June, audiences in Portland, Oregon will experience the premiere of a remarkable new musical work, "When All Else Fails", composed by Matthew Compton, director of the Bells of the Cascades. The piece represents Compton’s first major large-scale composition and introduces a bold new direction for handbell music.

Structured in eleven movements, "When All Else Fails" brings together an expansive and unusual ensemble. The performance features two handbell ensembles accompanied by a diverse instrumental lineup including four string players, flute, clarinet, oboe, piano, voice, and percussion. This combination creates a rich and varied sound world that expands the traditional role of handbells far beyond their usual setting.

While handbells have often been used alongside choirs or orchestras, a composition of this size and complexity written specifically for handbell ensembles is unprecedented. Compton’s work pushes the boundaries of the genre, demonstrating how handbells can serve as a central voice within a sophisticated, multi-instrumental composition.

The premiere will be presented by Bells of the Cascades and Pikes Peak Ringer in two performances on June 6 and June 7 at First United Methodist Church in Portland, Oregon. Each movement of the piece is dedicated to a different group of people who have faced extraordinary challenges. Reflecting this theme, every movement is titled after an idea or mindset one might turn to when confronted with impossible situations.

Musically, the piece explores a wide range of styles. Each movement contrasts with the next, featuring shifts in tempo, varied meters, and distinctive moods that highlight the expressive potential of the ensemble. These changes create a dynamic listening experience that moves between reflection, urgency, resilience, happiness and hope.

With its ambitious scope and innovative instrumentation, "When All Else Fails" marks an important milestone not only for composer Matthew Compton but also for the evolving possibilities of handbell performance. The June premiere promises to be a memorable event for both performers and audiences, offering a powerful musical reflection on perseverance in the face of the impossible.

Tickets can be purchased here, at a discounted cost until May 15th, and at the door.