Celebrating Earth Month

Earth Month takes place every April. It’s a time to raise environmental awareness and celebrate the beauty in nature. This year, we wanted to celebrate by creating a list of nature-inspired pieces.

Titles marked with an * are playable on lever harp.

Nature’s Beauty

by Monika Stadler

Starting off this blog, we have to first turn to Monika Stadler’s original work that states exactly what we’re celebrating during Earth month, “nature’s beauty.” This calm, flowing piece would work well for weddings or any elegant occasion.

*Earth Song

by Alexandra Genova

This contemplative waltz by Alexandra Genova sends a hopeful message about Earth through its melodies. It reminds me of movie montage music, as it is very soothing with warm harmonies and sparkly rolled chords.

*The Four Seasons

arr. Lucy Bunce

Of course we have to include the classic work by Vivaldi in this list since it celebrates Earth’s four seasons! Lucy Bunce’s arrangement is a fantastic beginner-friendly version. It’s perfect for student recitals, weddings, and more.

Memory of Trees

by Gary Schocker

On the first day of Earth month last year (April 1), Yolanda Kondonassis released her album “FIVE MINUTES for Earth.” Kondonassis says the project “both celebrates our planet and illuminates the challenge to preserve it.” Each piece on the album was inspired by Earth and written new for the album, including this stunning work by Gary Schocker.

Beyond The Clouds

by Skaila Kanga

This incredible work by Skaila Kanga is “an ode to climate change.” It contains seven movements inspired by wind, a storm, etc. Is uses both classical and contemporary writing styles that work really well with the climate change storytelling narrative. 

*Sunset

by Joy Slavens

Although calming and written about the setting sun, this original piece by Joy Slavens also has a little “sunshine spark” to it. It is warm, flowing, and inviting.

*Moonbeams

arr. Joyce Rice

We can’t forget the moon when it comes to sky-inspired works. This medley of moon songs includes segments of classical standards like “Moonlight Sonata,” and “Clair de Lune” while also incorporating a few popular moon songs: “Blue Moon,” “Moon River,” and “In the Evening by the Moonlight.”

*Walk in the Rain

by Ann Reddy

One of the most amazing gifts from the Earth is rain. This meditative solo by Ann Reddy perfectly captures the feeling of a rainy afternoon where you sit in your living room watching the rain roll down the windows. Add this piece to your music stand for a rainy afternoon or as a soulful addition to gig repertoire.

*Mountain Mist

by Joy Slavens

Joy Slavens’ original work pays homage to the Smoky Mountains, which she describes as “peaceful and restful,” just like this piece. Slavens also offers this pieces as a harp duet and a harp with violin/flute duet. 

*The Sugarlands Waltz

by Liana Alpino

Inspired by a trip to the Sugarlands valley in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this leisurely waltz by Liana Alpino is filled with delicate melodies that are as sweet as sugarlands sugar.

*A Walk in the Mountains

by Kathryn Cater

I’m a big fan of Kathryn Cater’s collections. They are always so fun, filled with great imagery, and take you on a journey. This collection includes 10 songs inspired by Horton Pass in the Wallowa Mountains in Oregon and Cater’s deep love of hiking and nature. 

*Moon Over The Mountain

by Sharon Thormahlen

This collection by Sharon Thormahlen includes nine solos and one duet that were inspired by the many backpacking trips her and husband have gone on through the years. My favorites are the title piece, “Out of the Clouds,” and “Van Gogh Canyon.”

*Waves in the Sea

by Angela Klöhn

This gentle solo by Angela Klöhn mimics ocean waves in its melody. Klöhn offers four versions of the tune that increase in difficulty as they go, starting from beginner and going to intermediate.

*A Trip to the Islands

by Nadia Birkenstock

Prepare to be enchanted by this stunning solo by Nadia Birkenstock, who says it was composed “to transport the listener into a world of magic wells, mermaids, mysterious lakes and rushing waves.”

*Across the Water to Llansteffan’s Beach

arr. Meinir Heulyn

This jolly Welsh tune arranged by Meinir Heulyn will remind you of a fun day at the beach! Heulyn says that Llansteffan, Carmarthenshire, is a popular estuary with golden sand. 

*Ondulations à la Surface de l’eau

by Tamsin Dearnley

I can’t recommend this solo enough. No, really, I’ve recommended it in other blogs before, too. That’s how nice it is! Tamsin Dearnley captures the feeling of ripples on the surface of water in this Debussy-esque masterpiece that is lever-harp friendly. It is perfect for all kinds of occasions from concerts to church services, weddings, and more. 

*Monet’s Garden

by William Mahan

This unique collection of flower songs by William Mahan includes eight original pieces with delightfully beautiful melodies. I’m always a fan of adding Mahan’s works to my gig book. My favorites in this collection are “Monet’s Garden,” “Dance of the Sunflowers,” and “Dingle a Bloomin’.”

*The Willow Tree

by Stephanie Claussen

My favorite tree is the willow tree, so I had to include this traditional Northumbrian arrangement by Stephanie Claussen. The plaintive, flowing melody is a wonderful addition to any performance repertoire. 

*Forest Dreams

by Elizabeth Sutherland

This gorgeous piece is inspired by the Dandenong Ranges in Australia where composer Elizabeth Sutherland lives. The ranges consist of rolling hills, towering ash trees, and lush green foliage. You can picture the magical, serene scene while playing this relaxing piece.

*Daisy Flower

by Christa Grix

Chris Grix’s original works are always so full of life and this work is no different. This piece perfectly reflects the mood of the playful daisy flower. For some added color, the tune also quotes Stephen Foster and Aaron Copland to “bring the spirit and fun of a barn dance or country hoedown to the harp,” says Grix.