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THE HARPERS PLAY
BOOK
Introduction
I have always enjoyed being part of harp ensembles, both as
a player and as a director. Whether playing the harp for a living or starting
to learn the instrument as an adult, it can be a somewhat solitary pursuit! So,
the social benefits of belonging to a harp ensemble are very satisfying.
Whatever age or experience one brings to the group, differences miraculously
melt away as players come together to make music.
In this book I present multi-level ensemble arrangements,
with the idea that all parts can be interesting & enjoyable to play, even
the simplest part. As a teacher, I know how beneficial it is to include
beginners in a harp ensemble, sitting next to students with several years'
experience. The challenge is to have music to satisfy everyone!
I share with you my interest in the traditional music of
Britain, which began for me, some thirty years ago living in England and Wales.
These Morris Dance tunes bring back fond memories for me, of many a ceilidh and
folk festival in villages in the West country. My husband played pipe &
tabor, and recorder for the Bristol Morris Men. He collected these and many
other tunes in the oral tradition, recording them in his notebook.
In recent years, through my involvement with harp events at
the Texas Scottish Festival, I have come to know Scottish harp music. The tunes
selected are a sample of this splendid music. I wish to thank Mary Radspinner
and Sue Richards for introducing me to the lively world of the Celtic harp!
Thanks to my husband Philip, and son Jonathan, for technical & musical
advice. I dedicate this book to all my wonderful students & ensemble
members of: The Sometimes Angels, The Lone Star Folk Harpers, and my
ensemble class at The Ohio Scottish Arts School, Oberlin.
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Table of Contents
Introduction
Solos
- Torryburn Lasses,
Scottish reel
- The Maid of the Mill,
Morris Dance Tune
- Rowing from Islay to Uist,
Scottish rowing song
Ensemble
Arrangements
Solo/Duet:
- Ca' the Yowes tae the Nowes,
Robert Burns
Two Part Ensembles:
- William and Nancy,
Morris Dance Tune
Three Part Ensembles:
- Tail Toddle,
Scottish reel
- Suo - Gan,
Welsh Lullaby
- Hug o' laithill o horo,
Scottish vocables
song
- Katie Bairdie,
Scottish Nursery song
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