Summer is the most popular time of the year for traveling, so we’re taking a trip around the world! Travel far and wide from the U.S. to Brazil, Sweden, Spain, Japan, Africa, Australia and more through the music featured on this blog.
Titles marked with an * are playable on lever harp.
North America
*Native American Music for Harp
by Deborah Dahl Shanks
Native American music had a huge impact on today’s modern music in America. This collection by Deborah Dahl Shanks includes 27 hymns, lullabies, dances, chants, and more that were originally for cedar flute. You can also purchase this collection for small harp here. Just last week I had my first request for Native American music and was so glad I could turn to this collection!
*Cold Frosty Morning
arr. Kim Robertson
I had never heard this traditional old-time tune before, but it really sucks you in as a listener. To me it feels like a fast-paced lullaby. You can definitely get lost in Kim Robertson’s arrangement in the best way possible.
*Puerto Rican Sketches
by Louise Trotter
Four original tunes are included in this book from Louise Trotter. She uses a variety of Latin-inspired rhythms and melodies and also says she was inspired by forest sounds and the Puerto Rican coqui tree frog for the pieces. My personal favorite is the fun dance tune “Fiesta.”
*Oh Shenandoah
arr. Corkey Christman
This tune always reminds me of my childhood days in harp ensemble. I am fortunate that my teacher had us learn many American folk songs. Corkey Christman’s arrangement is truly stunning, using the lower register resonance and mixing in the upper register for melody and textural parts.
Battle Hymn of the Republic
arr. Liana Alpino
North America is known for its patriotism. This broad, stately American folk song became popular during the Civil War, likely for its easy-to-hum melody. This exciting arrangement would be perfect for a patriotic setlist and also stands alone as a solo piece.
*Besame Mucho
arr. Louise Trotter
We are traveling to Mexico with this bolero love song by Carlos Velazquez. Trotter’s arrangement is perfect for your gig book. It is easy to follow and simply arranged to allow the melody to shine. Her opening arpeggios and use of fingernail effects and glissandos allow this piece to work as a solo, as well.
*Spiritual Medley
arr. Sylvia Woods
This medley by Sylvia Woods is one of my favorites, as it is absolutely stunning. It contains two somber American spirituals: “Motherless Child” and “Wayfaring Stranger.” The two melodies intertwine so beautifully and evoke so much emotion.
South America
Tico Tico
arr. Angela Klöhn
This Brazilian choro tune by Zequinha de Abreu is infectious. Its happy-go-lucky, upbeat, and virtuosic melody is an absolute joy to play and listen to.
*Latin Lullaby
Meg Robinson
I discovered Meg Robinson’s original works as a young harpist and have been a fan ever since. This Latin-inspired tune is very catchy and uses syncopated rhythms and triplets in the melody line, as well as pres de la table effects to mimic the classic qualities of Latin music.
Harp Music from Argentina
by Marcela Méndez
Nine works by various Argentinian composers, arranged by Marcela Méndez, are included in this collection. Each piece is quite unique and different in character. Some of the composers included were people who moved to Argentina and then worked to develop the harp in the country–very cool!
*Serendipity
Amelia Romano
I’ve had this piece on my “list to learn” for a while. This unique work by Amelia Romano fuses Latin American and contemporary styles. It is very invigorating with its rich melody and percussive elements and, as Romano says, really has an “optimistic charm” to it.
*Ghost Tango
Mitch Landy
Although fast-paced, this tango has a calm, laid-back feel to it. It uses a classic tango rhythm in the left hand while a subtle melody plays on top. Lots of triplets, of course, too!
Europe
*What A Moonlight Night
arr. Christa Grix
This lovely Ukrainian folk tune can be used for any number of occasions from weddings and background dinner music to an encore at a solo recital. Additionally, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of this arrangement by Christa Grix will be donated toward Ukrainian humanitarian relief.
*Prelude to Te Deum
arr. Meredith M. Mancini
If you need a new classical work to add to your gig book, this is an excellent choice. A French baroque piece by Marc-Antoine Charpentier, this melody is stately and peppy and would be appropriate for weddings, events, and church services. Meredith Mancini provides both a lever harp and a pedal harp version of her arrangement.
*Westphalia Waltz
arr. Barbara Ann Fackler
I’m so happy that I stumbled upon this sweet German/Polish tune. Fackler’s arrangement is peppy, cheerful, and delightful to listen to. It would be lovely for restaurant or wedding prelude music.
Watching the Wheat
edited by Rachel Green
You can’t go wrong by adding this intermediate solo to your music stand. Rachel Green has created an easy-to-read version of John Thomas’ beloved version of this Welsh love song. It is pretty, reflective, and flashy in all the best ways!
My Wild Irish Rose
arr. Corkey Christman
Sometimes I struggle to find fleshed out Irish arrangements, so I was so happy to find this arrangement of Chauncey Olcott’s tune. Although not a traditional Irish tune, I always like to play this when I have an Irish-themed set. Christman’s arrangement makes use of the whole harp, which lets this gorgeous melody really shine.
*Gröne Lunden
arr. Fabio Rizza
This is such a lovely, whimsical Swedish melody, translating to “green grove.” In my opinion, it sounds like the soundtrack to a fairy garden. When you purchase this piece, Rizza includes both a beginner and intermediate version of the solo.
*Malagueña
arr. Louise Trotter
I love a good showstopper that is simple! Trotter’s arrangement of this Spanish dance is easy to learn, but still packs a punch and brings a lot of energy to this beloved, classic melody.
Asia
Jasmine
arr. Teresa Suen-Campbell
This Chinese folk song also known as “Mo Li Hua” is such a delight. Suen-Campbell’s arrangement provides a joyful depiction of the blooming of a beautiful, sweet-smelling jasmine flower.
Sakura Sakura
arr. Kana Matsumoto
Get your left hand ready to move in this Japanese folk song arrangement! This tune has a very strong melody and Matsumoto adds to that effect with her use of lush, rolled chords. She also uses a fingernail effect at the beginning to mimic the sound of the Japanese koto.
*Asian Folksongs for the Smaller Harp
by Deborah Dahl Shanks
This collection includes 22 folk songs from Korea, Mongolia, Taiwan, the Philippines and various Chinese provinces all arranged by Deborah Dahl Shanks in a simple way that remains true to the original sound of the song.
Arirang
arr. Gary Schocker
“Arirang” is translated to “my beloved one.” Schocker’s arrangement of this Korean folk song lends well to this translation as it is sweet and charming.
Africa & Australia
*River Right Rhumba
by Laura Zaerr
I just love this exciting, original work by Laura Zaerr. It is a great piece to work on rhythms. Zaerr says the “three repeating rhythmic patterns come directly from a West African drumming pattern from Guinea, the African Rhumba.”
*Crazy Day
by Amelia Romano
Romano says this piece was inspired by an actual crazy day she had in Cape Town, South Africa. It is ethereal, percussive, and ever moving.
*Suite of Australian Folk Songs
by Megan Reeve
“These five songs capture the joys of a barn dance, a rollicking sea shanty, and the laments of convicts,” says Reeve. Each song in this collection is different in character and all have quite charming melodies! Reeve’s arrangements are simple yet effective. Each song can be played individually or together as a suite and Reeve provides program notes for those performing it in concert.