The lever harp player can now happily add the dramatic “Oh Holy Night” by Adolph Adam to his or her list of necessary Christmas repertoire. Rees-Rohrbacher’s multi-key publication uses keys that should reasonably accommodate the vocal ranges of most solo singers. Those keys are F major, Eb major, D major, C major and Bb major. Lever changes are indicated, as well as pedal changes, making this publication practical for all harpists.
It has been given a rating of “early advanced” because of the nature of the piece itself – not the difficulty of the arrangements. The left hand has a fair number of 10ths; therefore, the ability to reach that interval with ease is imperative. The steady eighth note motif of the right hand requires a very fluid sense of rhythm. This, plus the skill required to follow a soloist, makes Cantique de Noel a challenging piece of repertoire but worth the effort. A delightful and interesting aspect of this publication is the arranger’s English translation from the original French, which is far more beautiful and touching than the words we are so accustomed to hearing. EARLY ADVANCED, ALL HARPS.
