Feel The Love

Are you ready to feel the love? These romantic pieces, old, original, and new, will make perfect additions to any Valentine’s Day set list!

(Titles marked with an * are playable on lever harp.)

*Lettre d’amour

Megan Metheney

The title of this piece (“Letter of Love”) says it all. Megan Metheney’s original work creates pure ambiance magic. It’s gentle, arpeggio-filled, and has lovely bass lines.

*Eternity

Elitsa Alexandrova

Although composer Elitsa Alexandrova did not write this piece to be a love song, I find it incredibly romantic. To me, the melody sounds like someone longing for a past love or long lost love. It really is beautiful and makes you feel the music right inside your chest.  

*With All My Heart

Monika Stadler

The month of love is the perfect time to whip out this beautifully artistic ballad by Monika Stadler. The melody is so dreamy and I personally love that this piece is mid-tempo to liven up any romantic setlist.

*I’ll Be There

arr. Michelle Whitson Stone

What could be more romantic than the Motown classic “I’ll Be There?” This arrangement by Michelle Whitson Stone has become a staple in my gig book for all occasions, but it’s especially sweet to play it in romantic settings. Everything lays beautifully in the hands—it is really such a well thought out arrangement. 

*The Summer White Boat

Angela Madjarova

I suppose there’s just something romantic about the sea. Angela Madjarova’s original piece inspired by a white boat sailing on the summer sea would be the perfect addition to a Valentine’s Day playlist. The harmonies are gorgeous and you can never go wrong with dreamy arpeggios.

*Prelude from Cello Suite No. 1

arr. Merynda Adams

Am I the only one who finds the famous Bach cello prelude to be romantic? It’s possible. All the same, I think this piece is really a great addition for any occasion. Merynda Adams’ simplified version is stunning on the lever harp. For the full pedal harp version, see Maria Luisa Rayan’s arrangement. 

*Hand in Hand

Joy Slavens

Joy Slavens’ sweet, original melody provides a little bit of pep and sunshine needed in a Valentine’s Day setlist.

Salut d’Amour

arr. Stephanie Claussen

This oh-so-romantic melody by Edward Elgar is so much fun to play! There is a good bit of pedaling in Stephanie Claussen’s arrangement, but the piece remains accessible for intermediate players and sight-readable for advanced players.

Devotion

Kirsten Agresta Copely

Kirsten Agresta Copely’s original piece had me hooked from the first two measures. There is so much passion in this piece. The chord changes and harmonies are somewhat unexpected yet an absolute delight to hear. Inspired by the great film composer Ennio Morricone, this piece will take your listener on a beautiful journey.

Always Remember My Love

Debbie Vinick

Debbie Vinick has done it again with another incredible romantic solo. There’s something about this piece that sounds like a timeless love song and feels familiar—almost like a lost track from a romantic film soundtrack.

Dragonfly

Astrid Walschot-Stapp

There may be a theme here with my finding arpeggios to be romantic. Perhaps an unconventional choice to add to the list, but Astrid Walschot-Stapp’s dreamy, arpeggio-filled solo is just so beautiful. If you’re putting on a Valentine’s Day-themed concert, I think this would be an excellent addition. 

Nessun Dorma

arr. Bill Van Patten

This is such a wonderful arrangement of Puccini’s beloved aria from Turandot! For those who may not know, the song is about falling in love with a princess at first sight—what could be more romantic? Bill Van Patten has captured the emotion of the song so well with his markings.

Legends

Liana Alpino

I couldn’t end this year’s Valentine’s Day blog without mentioning my latest composition, which I wrote as a wedding present for my dear friend who also happens to be a harpist! Inspired by her love story (and her love of pieces in the key of Db), the piece alternates between an A section with romantic melody lines and a playful, peppy B section representing the personality traits of the couple. I hope you love it too!