National Yoga Awareness Month

September is National Yoga Awareness Month so we’re here to help initiate a state of Zen with these calming solos for lever and pedal harp. Need more Zen? Check out our Music for Meditation blog.

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

*Ribbons

by Stephanie Curcio

If you’re a fan of Samuel Pratt’s “The Little Fountain,” you will love adding this ethereal piece by Stephanie Curcio to your repertoire. It’s filled with seventh-chord arpeggios, which are very comforting. If you’re someone who likes to experiment with effects pedals, this piece would be great with reverb and other similar pedals, as it could create a sound-bath-like atmosphere.

*Three Korean Folk Songs

arr. Kathleen Blackwell-Plank

There’s something so soothing about the pentatonic scale, especially when used in glissandi. Kathleen Blackwell-Plank has arranged three different traditional Korean folk songs that are incredibly soothing to the ear. Extended techniques like harmonics and pres de la table are also used in the collection to imitate the sounds of Asian instruments, nature sounds, and bells. These sounds would lend so well to soothing settings like yoga classes. 

*Là Bealltainn

by Ailie Robertson

This is one of my favorite pieces to have my students work on because it’s so pretty and fun to play! I love the opportunities built in to push and pull with the melodies. Played slowly, I think it would be perfect for yoga sessions.

Flow

by Brittney Benton

To me, pieces resembling water are always calming and this original work by Brittney Benton that mimics a flowing river fits the bill perfectly. It uses a myriad of arpeggiated patterns to resemble water flowing and the harmonies are just lovely. Head over to the product page to hear Harp Column’s own Danielle Kuntz perform this stunning work.

*Largo from the New World Symphony

arr. Rhett Barnwell

This classical staple by Antonin Dvořák is just the piece for therapeutic settings like yoga sessions. Rhett Barnwell’s version adds in dreamy arpeggios and delicate harmonies to make it even more relaxing. 

Persephone Rising

by Kirsten Agresta Copely

Kirsten Agresta Copely’s album Around The Sun is filled with compositions that take listeners on a journey through a 365 day cycle via introspective melodies and ambient treatments. This piece, included on the album, offers a moment of calm for both listeners and the player. The use of bass notes throughout offers a sort of built-in reverb effect and the moving eighth notes keep a constant flow of serenity going.

*What is This Lovely Fragrance

arr. April Stace

Petition started for this stunning, lesser-known Christmas carol to become an all-year gig book staple. April Stace’s arrangement of the traditional French tune is simple and leaves just the right amount of space to allow for contemplation.

*Elles

by Megan Metheney

If you have a second harpist or pianist on hand, this soothing duet by Megan Metheney would be great for therapeutic settings. The sustained notes and sparse melody are perfect to create a soothing atmosphere.