Finding new, original music for the harp is like receiving an unexpected gift, and who better to write for the instrument than a harpist? Whether you play pedal harp, lever harp, or in harp ensemble, you’ll find something appealing and plenty of variety in these new gifts from our colleagues.

An “accessible piece” that showcases some special effects on the harp.
An “accessible piece” that
showcases some special
effects on the harp.

Julia Sanders has self-published several of her original solos, and “Pink Flamingo (Le Flammant)” for pedal harp is the most captivating. This seven page composition (not including the repeat) is brimming with special effects. A glossary of all the effects used is printed on the inside cover. The piece is in 3/4 and has several pedal changes. All the changes are notated below the staff although the size of the font and spacing of these markings is inconsistent, but clear. She includes muffles, harmonics, one- and two-fingered glisses, ascending and descending Aeolian chords, and timpanic sounds, among other little garnishes. All of these pique the listeners’ interest and make it fun to play.

The music is printed on heavy ivory-colored stock and the page turns are reasonably easy except perhaps the jump to the coda. It is almost sight-readable for the intermediate to advanced player. “Pink Flamingo” will give you a fairly accessible piece to play that showcases some of the special effects that are possible on the harp.

An “enticing new jazz arrangement” for harp trio.
An “enticing new jazz arrangement” for harp trio.

Cindy Horstman has an enticing new jazz arrangement for three harps. “Green and Blue” is intended for pedal harp, but part 1 can be played on a lever harp tuned to E-flat. It does require a lot of lever changes (lever changes not notated) but since the entire part can be played in the right hand, it leaves the left hand free to move those levers. Part 1 is primarily the melody line, so it is still a very important part. Even though the melody is easy to play, it is not for someone who is uncomfortable with pedal (or lever) changes.

Part 2 mostly provides harmony and some embellishments. It can also be played in just the right hand, but her fingering suggests sharing between both hands. This part would not work well for lever harp, but it is very playable on pedal harp for a less advanced player. The pedal changes are not difficult.

Part 3 handles the lion’s share of the piece and has frequent but manageable pedal changes. There is an unnecessary pedal change marked in measure 32 where the A is already flat. This part requires a more advanced player but is sight-readable for a player at that level.

The music comes with three separate parts and a score. You can hear an MP3 recording of this composition on Ms. Horstman’s website at www.cindyhorstman.com. Have a listen and you’ll probably be hooked. This piece would work well for a multi-level ensemble or a mixed ensemble of both pedal and lever harps.

An “accessible piece” that showcases some special effects on the harp.
An “accessible piece” that
showcases some special
effects on the harp.

Frank Voltz has been busy composing and one of his most charming creations is “Hacienda Gate.” This is a tango, and the triplets and syncopated rhythms contribute to its Latin flavor. He also uses several scale glisses, downward arpeggios, a few grace notes, and some meaty, two-handed chords.

It is in G minor and is notated for both lever and pedal harp. There are only a few pedal and lever changes, but they do happen quickly. The page turns are reasonably easy, but the nice thing about this piece is that a short pause just adds to the drama! This tune might make you (or the audience) want to dance or at least throw your head back and shout, “Olé!”

For a complete change of pace, Mr. Voltz has also written a lovely piece entitled “The Little King.” It is in D major and features some chord inversions. It is in ABA form, and the occasional lever or pedal change adds some lush harmonies.

A sight-readable piece for the intermediate player.
A sight-readable piece
for the intermediate
player.

Like the previous piece, it is sight-readable for the intermediate player.

Joy Slavens has written and published a sweet little tune for lever or pedal harp. “One Tiny Light” is just 47 measures long. It is in F major and requires just two lever or pedal changes. Diamond-shaped notes are used for the lever changes, and the pedal changes are written below the staff.

There is one page turn that can be made easier by picking up the last three left-hand notes with the right hand. The typesetting is easy to read. There are a couple of scale glisses, and most of the left hand accompaniment is eighth notes. Ms. Slavens rates this as suitable for the intermediate level, and intermediate players should be able to effortlessly sight-read this music.

“...a sweet little tune for lever or pedal harp.”
“…a sweet little tune
for lever or pedal
harp.”

This melody in 3/4 time feels like a lullaby and would be useful to those who play in neonatal or pediatric ICUs. It would also make nice background music for the lighting of a unity candle at a wedding. •