October Songs for Harp

Fun! The intention of this collection is to engage the imagination, create the moods of autumn, stir up memories and write new stories.
All the pieces are two pages, except for Haunted Harp which is three.

Level of performance falls into late elementary to intermediate.

Extended Techniques
This is a fanciful collection, so I've used all that work on my particular lever harp, avoiding any that damage strings or instrument. Everything was created on my 36 string lever harp with fluorocarbon strings. There are other effects that might work on other harps. I encourage you to work them in if you like. Be creative!

Used in this collection:
Harmonics
PDLT : Près de la table
Glissandos
Fingernails - some glissandi are performed with fingernails.
Whistle effect
Knocking or patting the harp
Lever/Pedal Buzz effect
XYL. Xylophonic effect
Prepared strings

Is this a Halloween book?
Because many people I love do not celebrate Halloween, I tried to make the titles accessible for many sensitivities. For "Haunted Harp" I have included an alternate title.

Contents

October Song   in F Lydian
Let this piece put you in a dream state. Choose a gentle tempo and let it flow naturally. Listen for the wind sighing, see the leaves falling. Break all chords including two note chords. One is notated to roll down.

Hobgoblin   in C Harmonic Minor
Let the party begin! These hobgoblins have terrible manners. Over the top expression is encouraged. It's supposed to be joyfully offensive. But for background music, skip the buzz and play it as a fun tune.

Wild Geese in the Rain   in E flat Major
I could see this used for yoga or meditation. Uses enharmonic D sharp with E flat. The first measure can be repeated at will, so you can set up a calm space. Keep the right hand very light and unaccented throughout.

Pumpkin Spice   in E flat Major
Coffee shop vibes. Feel the rhythm as you play. Rests are used to help see the rhythm, not for dampening. Soundboard patting: choose the part of the hand produces the best sound. For me, it's the flat of my fingers.

Moon Through Bare Branches   in C Harmonic Minor
Use a gentle pace. The left hand is very busy. If you just can't play all those notes, it's OK to simplify the left hand. The big set of arpeggios on page two are easier than they look. Let them flow naturally with expression.  

Apple Pick'n   in C Major
Written in the style of old piano novelties like "Nola". Playfully swing dotted eighth rhythms. Imagine red apples rolling in the grass, swinging a bucket full of apples, sunny skies. Fingerings are just suggestions.

In the Old Abandoned House   in G Minor
Create a story for this piece. Feel the story as you play. Not gig music, but great novelty for a program. Add more special effects if you like.  Many tempo changes as tension builds. Why? What is happening? You get to decide, but give this piece a lot of energy and be dynamic!

Autumn Mists   in E flat Major
I would have also titled this "The Porch Swing". It has an easy, rocking feeling to it. It feels like a memory of a beautiful fall day. Imagine this beautiful day while you play this piece. What images come to mind?

Black Cat   in G Harmonic Minor
The mood is slow sultry jazz. Low lights, cool cats. Feel the rhythms, improvisation encouraged.
One of my daughters has a black cat named "Boo". Boo proudly wears bow ties matched for every season.  

Haunted Harp  (Alternate title: The Harp at Midnight)   in F Dorian
Is the harp playing itself? Are there unseen hands? Maybe it's just the wind, or a dream. Write a story for this piece, share it with your audience, and feel the story as you perform. Many tempo/mood changes as though the player/dream is fading in and out, and even becomes furious for a little while.