Historical Harp Collection V 3

Historical Harp Collection Vol.3 by Nancy Hurrell includes 8 solos and 6 harp ensembles of music from the 13^th to the 17^th centuries. These are some of the best-loved early songs and dances, like Dowland’s ‘Lachrimae pavan,’ Josquin’s haunting ‘Milles regretz’ and Queen Elizabeth I’s favorite dance, ‘La Volta.’ The music is playable on lever harps and single-row historical harps, with useful notes given on history, composers and performance.

From catchy rhythms of medieval estampies to the Spanish fabordón’s dramatic chords, these interesting pieces add variety to solo and ensemble repertoire. A fun ensemble version of ‘La Rosa Enflorece’ with middle-eastern flavor, has parts for a singer and viol player. All the harp ensembles have been performed in concerts by students in the Brandeis University Early Music Ensemble and were also played in workshops at the Somerset Harp Festival.