Three delightful ensemble arrangements, consisting of one familiar Celtic tune plus two excellent Celtic medleys. Hammered Dulcimer parts are suitable for any C instrument. Solo lap harp versions of each piece are also included. The medley The Fiddler Dance the Light/Mor A Cheannaich swept the ensemble division of the Gulf Coast Harpers Celtic Contest a few years back. Hammered dulcimer carries the melody, trading off lead with harp while the flute plays countermelody. The lap harp version has left-hand melody with right hand descant. Song of the Water Kelpie has a dreamy setting with harmonies in the harp parts gradually expanding fuller and then tapering back, like ocean waves coming in and receding. It has right-hand harmonics in the opening measures. Hammered dulcimer plays in unison with the harp. Flute begins with a slow trill-like ornament, then plays almost canon style with the other two instruments through the middle section. The title selection, Lament for Limerick/Lochaber No More/Irish Lamentation Waltz is played mostly in unison among all three instruments. The full harp part can also be played solo. The left-hand of the harp part is mostly arpeggiated runs with some tenth dotted half note chords in between. An explanation of strathspey playing style and lyrics to Lochaber No More are also included. LOWER INTERMEDIATE, ALL HARPS.
Reba’s suggestions on how to best utilize this book: You could have someone play full harp part, another play small harp part, and have someone play hammered dulcimer part if that person doesn’t mind playing a single line. I’d do it in a heartbeat because it’s EASY! Or you could split the full harp part into two (one on bass, one on treble) and someone else play hammered dulcimer (that’s where most of melody is). Hammered dulcimer is C instrument so that part can also be played by flute, violin, or any other C pitch instrument. You could also have someone full harp, and two others play hammered dulcimer and flute parts. Options are multiple here. Just needs to be tailored to playing levels and egos. Hope you have fun with it.
Table of Contents:
Fiddler Dance the Light/Mor A Cheannaich, Song of the Water Kelpie, Lament for Limerick/Lochaber No More/Irish Lamentation Waltz
