Little Sketches for harp by Barbara Ann Fackler

Short and Sweet Volume X: Little Sketches ~ $10.00

Available from Melody's Music in TX folkharp.com or Harp Column Music

Little Sketches are all related by their form and harmonic structure. The first was born of a predefined harmonic structure within which the piece took form. Each subsequent Sketch was based on the original theme with the goal of creating a different view of the source in each Sketch. As nine artists would all interpret a subject differently, each Sketch is a different interpretation of the original form. The harmonic structure of each is not identical, but is nearly so.

Little Sketches may be performed individually or as a set. When performed as a set of variations, all repeats may be omitted and Sketch Nr. 1 may be used as the coda.

key of C major

Sketches 3, 4, 6, 7, and 9 are playable as written on a small 26 string harp the likes of the Harpsicle or Ravenna 26. Sketches 1, 2, and 5 are playable on a small 26 string harp if played one octave higher than written.

An alternate version of Sketch Nr. 8 is included to accomodate the range of small, 26 string harps, bass clef C to high G above the treble staff. An extra version of Sketch Nr. 1 with chord changes is included. Keep in mind that some of the Sketches vary slightly from the original chord progression.

(hint: in the first section of Nr. 9, find the triad shape hidden in the pattern and place each group on the beat, then play the bottom two notes leaving the last note to be played with your thumb on the "and" of the beat. Cross LH over RH for the third group in the pattern, keeping RH on the middle group.) This is great preparation for arpeggios. See the sample image for placing and practice suggestions (opens in new window).

Listen to all the Little Sketches on YouTube here, the playlist will take you through all nine solos.