This is a skill builder arrangement for lever or pedal harp. Three versions, each building on skills acquired in the previous leaves new harpists with a many options for performance. This theme from Beethoven's Ninth Symphony is a favorite at weddings and in church as well as for background music. Version A begins with both hands playing the melody in octaves, with the second time through giving the LH thirds to harmonize. The third variation puts the melody back in the LH giving thirds, fourths and fifths to the RH. Version B adds RH 6ths and LH octaves. Version C adds harmonics and broken chords.
This very versatile set is offered in two keys to allow harps as small as 22 strings, C-c or G-g to use this arrangement. My Beginning in the Middle students often start with this as their first piece and find the Build Your Own Variations handy for wedding recessionals and processionals.
Gretl, my oldest Beginning in the Middle (actually she was Beginning in the Sunset, nearly 80 years old!) student started lessons in January of 2009 and played the "A" version of this for her grandson's wedding in July of 2009. The bride came to a lesson to hear it and liked it so much she moved it from prelude music to the unity candle music. Gretl did a great job in a short amount of time. It had been 60 years since her last music lessons and she remembered everything well. You're never too old for a new skill. Listen to a midi file.
Free Download Here of the key of C set, for harps with a minimum of 22 strings, C to c.
Don't forget, music does not need to be difficult to be lovely. Read here.
