Download “The Ash Grove” Double Strung Harp Mp3
Last year I played this traditional Welsh tune on lyre. You can listen to it
here
and compare it to this version, played on double strung harp. The beauty of this harp is that each hand has access to its entire range, and the hands never run into each other’s playing area. This allows echoing and other effects not possible on a single strung (i.e. regular or normal) harp.
I hope you enjoy this lovely piece!
Download “Springtime Dance” Double Strung Harp Mp3
O let us dance and let us sing
In praise of beauty that is Spring!
As flowers bloom and songbirds sing,
There’s brand new life in everything!
We’re not exempt; we’re not left out
Of all the giving Spring’s about!
We can transform, without a doubt:
Just look within and let it out!
Let in the new! The old, release.
Let go of fear, allowing peace.
In harmony replace dis-ease
And safety calm anxieties.
We’re not alone—we have a guide,
The voice of wisdom deep inside,
The One who our true needs provides
And gives us heartbeat, breath and life!
So let us dance and let us sing
In praise of beauty that is Spring!
As flowers bloom and songbirds sing,
There’s brand new life in everything!
—-
Written for Eugi’s Weekly Prompt, Dance:
https://amanpan.com/2021/04/22/eugis-weekly-prompt-dance-april-22-2021/
This poem started with just 4 lines. But as I wrote, it expanded. After I went to bed last night, glad to have written my NaPoWriMo contribution for the day, it occurred to me it would make a great song! And the music was there, so I captured it on my double strung harp while it was still fresh in my mind. When Eugi left a comment saying the poem could be a song, I knew I had to record it and include the audio here. So, here it is! Thank you very much, Eugi!
Download “Seed of a Dream” Mp3
What can I say about Sue Vincent? My words will fall short, no matter
how well meant. Still I will pay tribute to her life and legacy.
I only knew Sue from her blog,
Sue Vincent’s Daily echo,
particularly her #Writephoto posts and humorous “small dog” poems from
Annie’s point of view. I also very much enjoyed her posts on
The Silent Eye,
where she directed, taught, ran workshops, and mentored students in
their Mystery School.
Even throughout her illness and hospitalization, Sue continued to
share beautiful poetry, including her lovely #MidnightHaiku series
which has been published in book form. She never failed to inspire and
support her fellow bloggers, whether or not she had met them in
person. I am one of those bloggers. Her prompts provided the
inspiration for me to begin writing songs again, after a long hiatus.
In fact, “Seed of a Dream” is a piece I wrote in response to one of
her #Writephoto prompts last year. I’m sharing it today, played on
double strung harp and Coda EDC Flute, in loving memory of Sue
Vincent.
I invite anyone who would like, to share your favorite memories of
Sue, how she helped or inspired you, and anything else you choose to
share. I also hope this piece brings you comfort and peace in this
time of grieving.
If you haven’t done so already, please visit Stuart France’s post
sharing excerpts from Sue’s funeral service:
A Life Well Lived.
Blessings to all of you!
Download “Effervescent Heart” Mp3
This harp is quite special, a fabulous thing!
A portable package with two rows of strings!
You’re hearing the magical, mystical sound
Of new possibilities looked for—and found!
O listen for echoing phrases intwined
To harmonize body with heart, soul and mind.
A pleasure to play and a blessing to hear;
We celebrate now: Daphne Phoenix appears!
And don’t forget Zephyr, the EDC* Flute,
A song in your pocket and awfully cute!
*EDC: Everyday Carry
—-
Music and poem written especially for Denise’s #SixSentenceStories effervescent prompt:
This hymn was written by Isaac Watts (1674 – 1748). It was first published in 1707 and is still popular today, especially for evangelism.
I hope you enjoy this arrangement, played on viola and alto recorder, with ukulele accompaniment!
Download “All Things Bright and Beautiful” Mp3
Here are 2 musical settings for the hymn, “All Things Bright and Beautiful.” If you live in the United States, you’re probably most familiar with the first one, composed by William Monk. If you live in the United Kingdom, you probably know “Royal Oak,” the traditional melody for the second setting.
I hope you enjoy hearing these tunes on Oriole (soprano) and alto recorder (which plays the verses of “Royal Oak”), with ukulele accompaniment!
Happy Easter! Yes, it’s late. But here is a popular hymn played on lyre and alto recorder, “Near the Cross.” The lyrics were written by Fanny Crosby, and the melody by William Howard Doane.
Enjoy, and I hope you had a wonderful Easter!
Download “The Irish” Mazurka Mp3
Here’s another light and lively mazurka, a dance tune. This one is often played in a set with
Francie’s Mazurka
and others.
I hope you enjoy listening to this delightful tune on zither!
Download “Lament for Kilcash” Mp3
This is a beautiful Irish air, written in the early 1700’s. My arrangement is played on ukulele, Oriole (soprano) recorder, alto recorder, and ends as a recorder trio with the soprano part, 2 alto parts, and continued ukulele accompaniment.
I hope you enjoy it!
This is a piece I wrote for one of Sue Vincent’s #Writephoto prompts
last May. I didn’t sing it at the time, but posted a meditation
version on lyre. You can listen to or download that
here.
This version has vocals, accompanied by ukulele. There’s also a viola
part, melody on alto recorder, and an alto recorder duet.
I hope you enjoy this arrangement!
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