Last Minute Holiday Music

Did you get a last minute call for a holiday party or Christmas Eve service? We asked our blogger Liana Alpino for recommendations of music you can pull together in a hurry. Each selection is at an intermediate level, and most are playable on lever harp.

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

*Suo Gan

arr. Claire Swanson

You can never go wrong with Claire Swanson’s holiday arrangements. Each one is well thought out and sounds beautiful on the harp. The traditional carol “Suo Gan” is one of her easier arrangements and it’s a lovely, slow carol allowing you time to find the notes in your hands. I’m preparing this one myself for a last minute Christmas recital!

*God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen

arr. April Stace

Although this fun, syncopated arrangement of “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen” sounds difficult, it doesn’t take too much time to work up confidently. It is a really nice addition to change up your holiday playlist. 

*50 Christmas Carols

by Sylvia Woods

I will never stop promoting this collection—that’s how good it is! It has been a staple in my holiday harping repertoire since high school. Sylvia Woods’ book not only has 50 accessible carols to choose from, but she also has A and B versions of each carol, so you can play whichever you are more comfortable with in the moment. Chord symbols are also provided for each carol, so you have the option to simplify or add as much as you like. 

*Chanukah Music

by Sylvia Woods

If you want the same feel of the above collection but for Chanukah music, this is the collection for you. Sylvia Woods has arranged eleven classic Chanukah songs in multi levels (A and B versions) and has chord symbols provided! 

*Feather In The Snow

by Alexandra Genova

This is such a sweet little Christmas lullaby by Alexandra Genova that has a delicate melody folks will love. It’s slow, so you can take your time sight reading and since it’s not a traditional Christmas carol, no one will know if you miss a note! 

*Carol of the Bells

arr. Tamsin Dearnley

“Carol of the Bells” is one of those Christmas carols everyone wants to hear on the harp, so I couldn’t leave off an easy-to-put-together version. Tamsin Dearnley’s rendition is absolutely brilliant. It allows the harp to sing without being overly difficult like other versions. Although written for lever harp, this arrangement is very easy to adapt to pedal harp. Dearnley has both advanced beginner and intermediate versions available. 

*Infant Holy, Infant Lowly

arr. Jodi Ann Tolman

Another slow carol! Jodi Ann Tolman is known for the simplicity and beauty of her arrangements, and this one is no exception. She even adds a twist to this Polish carol by writing it in 4/4 time instead of the traditional 3/4 time, giving it a more calm and peaceful feeling.

*Joy To The World

arr. Kim Robertson

Kim Robertson’s arrangements are always very accessible, but give the listener more than just the basic carol. Her “Joy To The World” arrangement is both festive and inventive, and a joy to play! I also love that she has chord symbols written in, so you are able to use those instead of what is written, making it a great last minute gig book addition! 

Fantasia On Ding Dong Merrily On High

by Megan Reeve

For more advanced harpists, this is a fabulous Christmas solo you can pull together at the last minute that sounds really impressive! Patterns are your friend in learning this quickly. Megan Reeve’s fantasia combines the sound of Christmas bells with the playful “Ding Dong Merrily On High” melody. It’s perfect for holiday parties, Christmas services, and more.