Check out these tunes from your favorite Somerset Folk Harp Festival presenters and other top level harp arrangers!
Looking for gorgeous, well-written lever harp music? We have it! Check out these recommendations, which we hand-picked especially for our friends who participated in the Somerset Folk Harp Festival. This list contains our favorite tunes from this year’s festival presenters and a few other lever harp specialists we think you’re going to love.
All titles on this list are playable on lever harp.
Collections
Beauty Tunes
by Kim Robertson
This collection has twenty-five Celtic airs and hymns all arranged in Robertson’s signature style. All have very comforting melodies.
Traditional Irish Music Arranged for Harp Vol. 1
by Grainne Hambly
This is a great collection of traditional Irish tunes that are not as well-known. The book also includes tips on Irish ornaments and playing in an Irish style.
Composed in Heart
by Laurie Riley
If you are looking for some soothing lever harp solos, this book is for you. Every original piece in the collection is also different in character keeping you engaged through the whole book.
At The River
by Sunita Staneslow
This is a great collection with four beloved hymn arrangements. My personal favorite is “When Peace Like A River.”
Original Compositions
The Nightingale
by Deborah Henson-Conant
This is one of my favorite pieces in my gig book. I often start my sets with it because it has a beautiful, calming melody and it is approximately four minutes long, making it a great opener for any event.
The Calm
by Maeve Gilchrist
As its name suggests, this piece reflects “blissful stillness that can come upon the water every now and then,” says Gilchrist. Its tranquil melody is expressed in beautiful, legato phrases.
Pandora
by Aiga Helmer
This joyful piece is a welcome upbeat addition to any event repertoire.
Always Forever
by Jodi Ann Tolman
If you are looking for the ultimate calming piece, look no further. Let the simple melody and arpeggio accompaniment float you away to your serene happy place.
Beyond the Loch
arr. Laura Zaerr
This stately, calming melody with Scottish influences is perfect for weddings and church settings.
Folk Arrangements
Simple Gifts
arr. Sylvia Woods
I love Sylvia’s arrangement of this classic American shaker hymn. It includes many variations on the melody and is always a hit with audiences.
The Water is Wide
arr. Jane Allen
You can’t go wrong with having this tune in your gig book. Jane’s version is written in a classical style perfect for weddings, church services, and background events.
Oh Shenandoah
arr. Corkey Christman
This popular American folk song is always well-received. This relaxing, sparkly arrangement includes six verses of the melody.
Grone Lunden
arr. Fabio Rizza
This is a new favorite tune of mine. It has such a captivating, whimsical melody. With this product, you receive both a beginner and intermediate arrangement of this Swedish tune.
Suo Gan
arr. Marilyn Rummel
Three versions of this soothing Welsh melody are included with this product (beginner, advanced beginner, and intermediate). Play all three as a solo that builds continuously or grab a few other harpists and play it as a trio.
O The Beautiful Treasures
arr. Rhett Barnwell
Rhett Barnwell has set this hauntingly beautiful Shaker hymn tune in the form of two contrasting verses. The first verse is simple while the second verse uses more active left hand accompaniment patterns.
Thanks for these great recommendations, Liana! I always look forward to your seasonal and occasional picks. You have introduced so much fun music to my repetoire! Have you ever looked at any of Carol Kappus’s arrangements? I believe she has a booth at Somerset and I think her music is wonderful. All the best!
That means so much, Rebecca! I’m so glad to hear that you enjoy my blogs and that you’re finding music to add to your repertoire. I will have to look into Carol’s music – thanks for the tip!