THE RING OF HARPS

[Contents]

Introduction

The Ring of Harps is a collection of some of my favorite tunes from Scotland and Ireland. Working with great melodies, I enjoyed writing these arrangements, and the music seemed to suggest places, people, and a visual landscape. Harp sounds seem to naturally portray the motion of water and wind. The lonely beauty of the sea, islands and peninsular landscapes of Ireland and Scotland are felt in tunes from these places.

In addition to the usual toe-tapping Scottish reels, the arrangements use melodic patterns to suggest ripples in the sea (Aran Boat Song), fluttering wings (The Butterfly), and jingling coins (Little Donald of the Sweets). There's a wonderful range of styles from ancient harmonies to traditional Carolan to jazzy reels.

Playing in a harp ensemble is bliss! These arrangements have multi-level parts so everyone can join in and play together.

I dedicate this book to harp rings everywhere!

Table of Contents

Solos

• Loch Gamhna
• Cliffs of Moher
• The Birken Tree
• Captain Campbell
• Eilean Beag Donn a'Chuain, Little Brown Island in the Ocean
• The High Reel
• George Brabazon, Second Air

Ensemble Arrangements

Duet:

• Latha a' Siubhal Slèibhe Dhomh, One Day as I was Travelling the Mountains

Three Part Ensembles:

• Domhnall Beag an t-Siucair, Little Donald of the Sweets
• Cha Bhi Mi 'Gad Thàladh, I Will Not Rock You to Sleep
• The Butterfly
• Miss Murphy
• The Aran Boat Song

Four Part Ensemble:

• Flowers of Edinburgh

Nancy's books are available on-line from
Melody's Traditional Music & Harp Shoppe.

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