Ensemble Works for All Levels (Part 2)

Finding repertoire for harp ensemble can sometimes be a daunting task. We’ve gathered some of the best intermediate and advanced works that use two to six harp parts. We think any ensemble would love to play these!

Titles marked with an * are playable on lever harp. 

*On Wings of Song

arr. Shari Pack
(One lever and three pedal harps)

I remember learning this arrangement by Shari Pack in my middle school harp ensemble days. Besides being nostalgic for me, it is a great intermediate level piece. Each part is given the opportunity to play the melody, while the repeated arpeggio accompaniments under the melody give the arrangement a gentle flow.

African Reflections

by Monika Stadler
(Two pedal harps)

I performed this work by Monika Stadler with a dozen other harpists at a summer camp many moons ago. I still remember the performance to be exciting, electrifying, and one of my most favorite harp memories. The piece requires weaving a cloth through the strings to create a unique sound. The happy rhythms and melodies are infectious! This piece is available in a set, so it also comes with Stadler’s more lyrical work Preseli Skies.

*French Café Waltz

by Tamsin Dearnley
(Two lever or pedal harps)

This sweet and charming piece by Tamsin Dearnley is the perfect harp duet. Inspired by French cinema, the melodies will completely transport your audience to a setting with bistros, cafés, and people strolling the streets of France.

Hungarian Dance No. 5

arr. Melody Tam
(Two pedal harps)

If you can believe it, Johanne Brahms’ famous work is even more exciting on two pedal harps thanks to Melody Tam’s arrangement! I think this would make a thrilling concert encore piece.

*A Shaker Melody

arr. Serena O’Meara
(Two to four lever or pedal harps)

I personally feel this piece (aka “Simple Gifts”) is a staple for intermediate harp ensembles. The different melody sections in Elder Joseph Brackett Jr.’s famous tune meld together so well together and when they are played simultaneously, it is magical. It’s an added bonus that most audience members will know the tune! 

*Two or More Harps Flexible Ensemble Collection Vol. 1

by Alfredo Rolando Ortiz
(Two or three lever or pedal harps)

This collection by Alfredo Rolando Ortiz actually includes four different original compositions for two to three harps. My personal favorite is “Danza de Luzma,” which was performed by a 40+ harp ensemble at the 2022 World Harp Congress. 

The Moldau

arr. Angela Klöhn
(Four-six pedal harps)

I had to include this piece by Bedřich Smetana in this list because it is one of my most favorite harp solos of all time. I have never heard it in ensemble form before, and it’s truly stunning with four voices in Angela Klöhn’s arrangement. In addition to the four main parts, there are two optional simplified parts for mixed level ensembles. 

*Angelica

by Cindy Horstman
(Three lever or pedal harps)

I adore this piece by Cindy Horstman and was so glad she made a trio version in addition to the solo. The piece really allows the lower register of the harp to shine! It’s cozy in feeling, jazzy, and rhythmic. What’s not to love? 

Prélude

arr. Willi Maerz
(Four pedal harps)

Rachmaninoff on the harp is truly exciting in this arrangement by Willi Maerz. It’s amazing that this piece was written in 1892 when the composer was only 19 years old. No piece could close out a concert quite like this one!

La Cumparsita

arr. Laura Oetzel and Daniel Mattelé
(Two pedal harps)

Possibly the most popular tango to exist, this famous work by Gerardo Hernán Matos Rodríguez has been expertly arranged for two pedal harps. Laura Oetzel and Daniele Mattelé have made the piece shine ever brighter with the use of harmonics, improvisations, and an exciting opening cadenza.

Minuetto e Trio No. 3

arr. Haley Hodson
(Three pedal harps)

Thanks to TikTok and other social media outlets, this piece by Luigi Boccherini has become quite popular again! Each part in this arrangement by Haley Hodson is equally important and exciting.

Habañera

arr. Robert Swain
(Four pedal harps)

No matter how many times this work from George Bizet’s opera Carmen is played, it never gets old to audiences. This sultry and passionate work brings a lot of joy to both the audience and players. 

Maple Leaf Rag

by Jaymee Haefner
(Four pedal harps)

Jaymee Haefner’s arrangement of Scott Joplins most popular rag is a lot of fun to play! This advanced arrangement of the old favorite includes pedal slides and muffle effects.

Liebestraum

arr. Amy Nam
(Two pedal harps)

Arranged by Harp Column’s own Amy Nam, Franz Liszt’s stunning piano work is translated to a tee in this pedal harp duo arrangement. Nearly note-accurate to the original work, the chromatic passages have been thoughtfully distributed between the two harps with enharmonic spellings.

Spanish Dance from La Vida Breve

arr. Marguerite Lynn Williams
(Four pedal harps)

I absolutely love this piece by Manuel de Falla. Marguerite Lynn Williams’ arrangement is truly a jaw-dropper. You can’t go wrong with performing this exhilarating work!

Need even more ideas? Browse over 800 harp ensemble titles right here at Harp Column Music!

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