Compositions & arrangements for lever harp (or pedal harp):

"Years ago, when almost all the Celtic harpists I knew were playing Irish and other types of modal and 'folk' music (as, indeed, was I), I became fascinated with the prospect of arranging and composing for the lever harp music in the classical and pop genres. For the most part, my arrangements -- and certainly my original works -- are not offered merely as substitutes for those who don't have the advantage of pedals. They are suitable for concert performance." -- Mitch Landy

(Please click on the titles to read samples of the music in another window. Please be patient, the PDF files may take a minute or so to load. When you are done, just close the window -- you will not lose your place here.)

Variations on a Gavotte by Corelli
A short gavotte movement from the violin sonata in F, op. 5 no.10, with eight variations in eighteenth century styles. In F, with lever changes (B flat/natural, and E flat/natural) mostly between sections . Written for lever-harp, it is notated both for lever- and pedal- harps. Intermediate level. Playing time approx. 12 min. $9.50

Spanish Dance
An evocative, romantic piece reminiscent of the styles of Granados and Albeniz. In Cmin. (G-Phrygian), with numerous quick lever changes. Written and notated for lever-harp, it can be played on pedal-harp by means of quick pedaling and selective damping (not notated). Intermediate/ advanced level. Playing time approx. 6 min. $8.50

Three Schubert Songs
"Heidenröslein," "Der Leiermann," and "Die Forelle," plus Andante from trio in Eb, op. 100. Arranged for lever or pedal harp by Mitch Landy. Keys are G (lever changes to C#), Emin (levers set to D#), D (lever changes to G#), and Emin (lever changes to D# and C#). Intermediate level. $7.50

Kitty of Coleraine: Variations in classical style on an Irish air
This Irish song, in D major, is like a minuet in rhythm and character. It is given more or less classical treatment in six variations - including one in D minor, and a final transformation, in which the original melody is only vaguely recollected. Lever changes only in the D minor variation, and the bridge leading into and out of D minor. Notated for lever or pedal harp. Intermediate level. $9.50

Spanish Suite
Three Spanish dances: Bolero, Españoleta, and Jota. The first and last are clearly based on traditional rhythms and styles, while the middle movement is actually a slow "romance" inspired by the 16th century dance form called "españoleta." Though the collection was conceived as a suite, each piece may be performed separately. In C major and A minor, with lever changes: D/D#, F/F#, G/G#, A/Ab, B/Bb; no lever changes in the Bolero. Notated for pedal- as well as lever harp. Intermediate level. $9.50

All Over the Map
Six selections from the cassette album: 1) Summer Medley - three Irish Songs; 2) "La ci darem la mano," from Mozart's "Don Giovanni;" 3) "Träumerei," by Schumann; 4) "Daragoi," a Russian folk song; 5) "Bagatelle;" and 6) "BagaTel," two original compositions; plus two additional pieces: "Brezairola," a traditional lullaby of the Auvergne region of France, and "Dame Cinco," an original piece in 5/4 time, with a Latin flavor. Four of the selections require lever changes, but the changes are difficult in only one -- "Träumerei." For this piece only, the harp must be tuned in Eb. "Brezairola" and "BagaTel" require no Eb (or Ab). The rest are in C or G (no flats). Intermediate level. $12.

Two Lyric Pieces: "Farewell" (in memory of Joy MacCarthy), and "Reverie".
The first requires no levers, the second requires two changes -- F-natural & sharp. Intermediate level, total 7 pages. $6.95

Five Diatonic Pieces
Four preludes and a "bagatelle," in four different modes, and five different styles. Three of them employ the C scale, one requires F#, and one requires both G# and F#; but none contain accidentals, and are thus no more difficult on lever harp than on pedal harp. Advanced-Intermediate level, 13 pages. $9.50

Dithyramb
In classical Greece, the dithyramb was a song in honor of Dionysus. This piece is a dance rather than a song, but I have chosen the name for its associations. It is intended for lever harp, with G# and D#, but no lever changes, as it is all in the mode sometimes referred to as “Gypsy,” or altered Phrygian (the tonic is E). It is advanced intermediate, but rather more difficult near the end, and is rhythmically challenging, in 7/8 meter; 6 pages. $6.95

Two Church Pieces
"Chorale" is a simple and sincere melody with point counterpoint varying from two to four voices, building to a climax in the highest register and settling to a peaceful cadence in the middle octave. "Seraph" is meant to evoke an awe-inspiring vision of the highest realms, rather than the peaceful, soothing images most often associated with angels. Both pieces are diatonic (no lever changes); "Chorale" is intermediate level, "Seraph" is advanced intermediate. Each is 3 pages. $6.00

Spooky Tunes
A suite of five pieces for Halloween: "Boogeyman's Blues," "From Beyond," "Will o' the Wisp," "Under the Ground," and "Goblins' Round Dance," plus "Don't look behind you." Intended for intermediate players, especially young ones, the styles range from cartoonish ("Boogeyman") to ethereal ("From Beyond"). None require lever changes; though lever settings for each piece require a harp with full levers. Nonetheless, the lever settings produce harmonies not usually heard on "folk" harps. Harmonics and glissandi add to the attraction for student harpists. 19 pages. $12

Compositions & arrangements for pedal harp:

Jota Aragonesa
Inspired by, but not modeled upon, the "Jota Aragonesa" for piano by Louis Moreau Gottschalk, this is a bright, playful arrangement of traditional Spanish themes. Fun to play, suitable as an encore or recital piece. Advanced-intermediate level, 6 pages. $8.00

Three Dances from the "Holberg" Suite, op. 40, by Edvard Grieg:
"Gavotte" and "Sarabande"
Gavotte, Sarabande, & Rigaudon from the suite of five pieces, originally written for string orchestra, and subsequently published for piano solo. Advanced-Intermediate, playing time approx. 11 min. $8.00

Dance of the Blessed Spirits, from "Orpheus," by C.W. Gluck
Actually, "Minuet" and "Ballet." The former is a revised arrangement of a familiar harp solo. The latter is a ravishingly beautiful piece usually requiring a flute obbligato. Here it forms a minor trio to the minuet. The minuet is easy intermediate level, the ballet is advanced intermediate. 5 pages. $6.00

How About Now
An original piece in a relaxed bossa nova style, expressing nostalgia for the “Girl from Ipanema” period. Advanced intermediate (quick multiple pedal changes), 4 pages. $6.00

The Last Spring, op. 34, by Edvard Grieg, adapted for pedal harp
An adaptation of one of "Two Elegiac Melodies" for string orchestra. The orchestral version consists of sustained chordal textures, not suitable to the harp. Therefore, I have substituted an arpeggiated accompaniment throughout. The result is quite different from the original; but the tender, sorrowful beauty of the piece remains. Advanced intermediate, with numerous precise pedalling requirements, 6 pages. $7.50

To Order:

Some of these may be ordered from http://www.folkharp.com , http://www.harpconnection.com or http://www.lyonhealy.com (however, Lyon & Healy doesn't have an online catalog).

To order directly, email me, and I will reply with the total to be prepaid by check (sorry, no credit cards).