Listen to many of the arrangements on this page via a YouTube playlist
Music is divided into these common liturgical categories, and by not instrumentation:
Advent
Christmas
Epiphany
Lent
Holy Week
Easter
Penecost
Ordinary Time
This arrangement includes Kum By Ya in the middle section, which is easily omitted to shorten the piece, or pulled out separate to stand alone. Length is 4:45, five pages in length. This arrangement has optional treble and bass clef parts available as well to expand the solo you already know into a duet or trio. This music works equally well for pedal and lever harps.
Available from Melody's Music with an immediate download.
Our YouTube video is here. .
ad lib glissandos in harp II, fingerings, very few 4 note chords, includes score and parts key of G (one sharp), no accidentals zip archive is 184 KB
This Irish hymn tune is popular in many churches. Suitable for worship settings year round, including Ordinary Time, Lent, Easter and Christmas.
Skilling Building music, 6 versions
skills learned: LH octaves, 3 note chords in RH (for the most part)
lever free version
pedals and lever changes marked
start with the easy version, grow into the advanced
more info, including samples of music and video
11 pages including cover art
Come, Thou Almighty King ~ ITALIAN HYMN ~ Arranged by Barbara Ann Fackler, with supplemental parts by Daniel Fackler, is useful throughout the church year and is often found during Christmas season, Holy Week, Easter season, Day of Pentecost and ordinary worship settings.
More complete information here.
From Wyeth's Repository of Sacred Music of 1813, this hymn tune is still in use in many churches. Our arrangement includes a brief quote fro m Lobe den Herren, commonly known as Praise to the Lord. Viola or cello may be substituted for horn (parts included). Piano may substitute for harp. Full score, 4 pages, with a practical page turn for harpists after page two. Click image at right for larger sample. Key of D, can be adapted for full size lever harp. Pianists should play harmonics where written. Cover art included. Duration: 3'
The harp part was expanded from the solo version in The Sacred Lever Harp and may stand alone, without the instrumental part.
Arranged by Barbara Ann Fackler, with supplemental parts by Daniel Fackler, is useful throughout the church year and is often found during Christmas season, Holy Week, Easter season, Day of Pentecost and ordinary worship settings. Also available as part of THE SACRED LEVER HARP collection. More information here with audio sample.
Harriet's Song is based on GO DOWN MOSES, one of the code songs used by Harriet Tubman as she led fugitive slaves escaping on the Underground railroad.
Separate scores for pedal and lever harps with pedals and lever changes indicated.
This is also available for horn and harp, with alternate solo parts for violin, viola or cello.
Key of D
solo part is 4 pages
Originally only available as part of The Sacred Lever Harp collection of hymns for lever harp, this is now available separately. Intermediate solo, suitable for pedal or lever harp, no accidentals. The recorded version has a little bit of new material not included in this print version.
More information, with samples of music and demo here.
How Can I Keep From Singing has had an interesting evolution, beginning as a hymn tune. This haunting melody from the 1860 (Robert Wadsworth Lowry), can be found in two different meters, both included in my arrangement. Eva Cassidy, Enya, Judy Collins, and Bruce Springsteen have also recorded this song.
2 separate PDFs for use on tablets or iPads
pedal harp version is what you'll hear on Pleasantries & Diversions
lever harp version offers the same variations with no key change, key of C to accomodate any tuning
small lever harps, 19 strings, C-g, key of C
Pedals are marked.
You'll need proficiency in LH harmonics (unless you choose to omit that variation).
This is also available as part of the American's Pleasantries & Diversions collection, and in a Pleasantries & Diversions collection for small harps
This publication is available from Melody's Music and Lyon & Healy West and others.
The pedal harp version is included in the CD THIS I KNOW.
listen here
Key of C
2 pages
Originally only available as part of The Sacred Lever Harp collection of hymns for lever harp, this is now available separately. There are a few four note chords, but mostly requires only facility with three note triads and has made a good piece for mastering these chord shapes. Early intermediate. It's important to remember that audiences don't care how difficult your music is to play, they care whether or not it's lovely to the ear.
More information with a video sample here.
Arranged by Barbara Ann Fackler for lever or pedal harp. One arrangement is suitable without alteration for lever or pedal harp. Set in the usual hymnal key of D major, there are no accidentals. Solo part is 3 pages in length, and just under 3 minutes in duration. More information here.
Gustav Holst's theme from Jupiter was adapted by Holst as the hymn tune Thaxted, commonly associate with "I Vow to Thee, My Country", Princess Diana's favorite hymn.
This arrangement includes a version in E flat (original key for the Jupiter) and C (original key for the hymn) for three size harps: pedal harp, full size lever harp and small harps of 22 strings and a part for violin or flute.
Also included is a lead sheet in the key of C and the cover art.
This is also included in the Processional collection, Short and Sweet Volume IV. If there are other titles in this collection you want, you'll save money by purchasing the larger collection.
16 pages of music
recommended for Beginning in the Middle students
This Skill Building collection includes three versions, beginner (skill building), beginning intermediate and advanced pedal harp. The skill building version includes fingerings, single notes in each hand except for two 6ths in RH. The beginning intermediate version uses open fifths, optional harmonics and scale passages in the accompaniment. The "second and third verses" are nearly the same for the RH as the first verse making this quick to learn for a new student and interesting enough for professionals who don't have much preparation time. The advanced version is for pedal harp only. Nine (9) pages including cover art.
Most first year students learn this and move to the intermediate version the next year.
key of C minor (three flats)
listen to a sample
This French hymn tune (PICARDY) dates to 1860 when it carried the title "La Ballade de Jesus Christ". It's also found published in Julien Tiersot's Melodies (1887) with the title "Romancero". It was included in 1906 edition of The English Hymnal with the title we've used here.
Pedal changes and some fingerings included.
Cover art included.
Duration: 3'15
LISTEN: sample midi generated file (revised 11/25/11, sound sample does not include new coda)
See under Music for Easter or More information here, with sound files and samples of pages.
Arranged originally for lever harp, this adapts very easily for pedal harp as well. Skills required: octaves, three note chords (triads of all inversions). Lever presets are notated (F# only), leaving pedal changes up to the performer. Range: G at bottom of bass clef and D above treble staff. More detailed info with video here.
See under Music for Lent
Now available from Melody's Music and Harp Column Music for immediate download at purchase for those in a hurry.
seven pieces for pedal or lever harp
with flexible titles: Prelude, Postlude or Meditation
by Barbara Ann Fackler
Each piece grew out of a need for adult students to be able to learn new skills while learning music for their repertoire. Save for Nr. 13, each focuses on one skill needed to increase proficiency. More complete descriptions and information is here.
While not specifically sacred, these were originally meant for use in worsip services (including weddings, funerals, and baptisms) where music without association to text would be appropriate.
See under Music for Pentecost
listen to the harp duet version
Mastery of thirds and root position triads are needed to successfully learn this arrangement of a well known hymn by William Bradbury.
If you've worked through the free etudes "Triads in Root Position", you're probably ready for this. Several of my Beginning in the Middle students have learned and performed this in their first year of study. Two versions are included, one in the key of D (fits 3 octave harps G-g) and the key of C for those lacking levers. Approximately 3 minutes long. sample page of sheet music
listen mp3 (thanks to Karin Lyle for recording with me)
Harp I may function as an easy solo. Optional harmonics are included in both parts with mostly thirds and root position triads (both blocked chords and broken chords) and crossing over of hands in both parts. Harp II includes some chords that are not root position. key of D (two sharps), no accidentals
From the collection, The Sacred Lever Harp, this has been available only with the complete set until now. Available as a solo or with the supplemental parts, the solo becomes part of a duo or trio setting. Useful all year, in many settings, this useful arrangement is easy to keep at the ready. Solo arranged by Barbara Ann Fackler, parts by Daniel Fackler. Originally intended for a small lever harp, this is well suited for any harp. No full score is offered, but measure numbers are included on all parts. To order the entire collection, please visit the Sacred Lever Harp page.
More information here, with video.
Take Time to Be Holy by George Stebbins, arranged by Barbara Ann Fackler
Two versions are included, each 3 pages long, no accidentals: one for full size lever harp or pedal harp and one for small lever harps the size of a Harpsicle.
Intermediate.
You'll need to be comfortable with scale passages (or looking for a good reason to work on this skill) and melody in the left hand (also a great skill to adopt).
Students comfortable with LH octaves, RH 6ths, Alberti bass and scale passages can play the long version which is three minutes in length and includes an introduction, three verses and coda that is suitable for any harp, including 3 octave harp, G-c.
The skill building version (no chords larger than two notes) is two pages, with introduction, 2 verses and coda. Suitable for Harpsicles and Sharpsicles, offered in two keys, G (same as pedal harp) and C.
Some fingerings are included. No accidentals.
Now available from Melody's Music for immediate download at purchase for those in a hurry.
This great hymn of 1875 by William H. Doane and Robert Lowry has no pedal or lever changes. The three page arrangement is offered in the key of C to accommodate 26 string harps (C-g)with no lever and the key of G for 26 strings (G-d) with levers. Suitable for pedal harps as well. 6 pages of printable music, no fingerings. chord changes in key of G only, no cover art. Placed on a music stand three across, there are no page turns.
The harp solo was arranged by Barbara Ann Fackler for an adult student. Simple skills are used, thirds, three note chords, stepwise motion. Arranged for lever harp initially, there is one lever preset, which is indicated. This easily adapts for pedal harp, with pedal changes left for you to negotiate. More detailed information here.
See under Music for Lent or More info, with video here. Used year round,this is specifically appropriate during Lent, also used sometimes on Palm Sunday.
Often brides want something that's a little bit different from what they think everyone else uses. These seven pieces offer just that kind of option. 44 pages including cover art. file size: 2.6 MB Click here for more information.
This Advent hymn, is arranged for pedal harp, three pages, pedals are marked, no fingerings. Advanced intermediate.
arranged by Barbara Ann Fackler
Suitable for pedal and lever harp, separate parts for each. No accidentals, some fingerings included
This harp solo version is an adaptation of the horn and harp version (alternate string parts soon). Once learned, you should find it "stays in your hands" relatively easily from year to year. Pedals and a few fingerings are marked. Not suitable for lever harp.
This happy carol is short in duration but long on interest and is suitable for pedal harp or full size lever harp. Additional parts are included to allow substitution of the horn with viola or cello. Piano may substitute for harp. Cover art included. Duration: 1'40" sample page LISTEN: sample midi generated file
Published by Belle Arte Strings, highly recommended, suitable for harp or piano with horn in F, violin, viola or cello.
Two or more harps, evenly balanced. Harp I plays, for the most part, melody in both hands. Harp II includes 4ths, 5ths and 6ths. No note values smaller than eighth notes, no dotted rhythms. Some fingering suggestions included.
Key signature: one sharp (e minor), no accidentals, the range of this arrangement can be seen in the graphic to the right. nearly 2 min. in length. range needed
Arranged by Barbara Ann Fackler
One arrangement is suitable for both pedal and full size lever harp.
Two pages, available only as a PDF.
New in 2017: a version of Three Christmas Lullabies for small harps, with a range that fits harps with bottom note of C. click here to download the small harp version
Arranged as part of a tutorial in reading lead sheets for Great Lakes Harpers (sadly disbanded), the local chapter of the International Society of Folk Harpers and Craftsmen, this sheet music for harp solo is available for free, immediate download. It was also published in the Winter 2009 issue of the Folk Harp Journal. No fingerings included, no lever changes. A harp duo arrangement is also available, found in the harp ensemble section of this website.
This Skill Building Solo includes thee versions: one with very few intervals larger than a third, another that requires mastery of sixths as well (each with two "verses" and an advanced version of three "verses". Sixteen pages of music, seventeen pages total including the cover art.
More information including sample pages and sound files here.
Our arrangement combines "Still, Still, Still" with another German carol, "Ihr Kinderlein kommet". The harp part is suitable for pedal or full size lever harp (in Bb with no lever changes).
Additional parts are included to allow substitution of the horn with viola or cello.
Cover art included.
Silent Night 2-3 or more harps listen mp3 (thanks to Karin Lyle for recording this with me)
harp I functions as a solo as well, harp I includes use of thirds and sixths
harp II (for more advanced students) includes scale passages and arpeggiated root position triads
harp III has no intervals larger than a third.
This may be performed with any two of the three parts.
key of C, no accidentals
approximately 2 min.
easily adapted for small harps
30 pages includes cover, full score and parts
We Three Kings 2 or more harps 22 string harps (C-C) or larger
harp II includes tapping on the sound board, no 4 note chords, no notes smaller than eighth notes, key of e (one sharp) minor, both parts are fairly easy, less advanced players can play either only RH or LH, approximately 2 min.
16 pages includes cover, full score and parts
As recorded on Pleasantries & Diversions, two versions are included, one for lever harp and one for pedal harp. Lever changes are indicated. Both arrangements are in the same key as the recording. This tune is used for the Christmas song WHAT CHILD IS THIS. More information, audio file and samples here.
Many of my adult students learn and perform the easiest version of this Skill Building Solo in time for Christmas after 5 - 7 months of lessons. The next year they learn the longer version, doubling the length of their solo piece of repertoire.
More information is here.
Available now as part of the entire SACRED LEVER HARP collection, or individually.
Available NOW as part of the entire Sacred Lever Harp collection. Should be here soon, available as a solo or with instrumental parts. The harp 2 and harp 3 parts will be available for free download.
Requires levers on F, C, and G.
solo part is 2 pages
duration about 2 minutes
Easily adapted for pedal harp.
This arrangement is in the same key as found in most hymnals.
Fits most small harps, with no ledger lines above the treble staff or below the bass clef staff.
Lever changes clearly marked and may be omitted by omitted the notes they alter.
More information here.
From the collection, The Sacred Lever Harp, this is available with the complete set. Available as a solo or with the supplemental parts, the solo becomes part of a duo or trio setting. Useful all year, but especially during Lent, this makes a nice piece for worship. Solo arranged by Barbara Ann Fackler, parts by Daniel Fackler. Originally intended for a small lever harp, this is well suited for any harp. No full score is offered, but measure numbers are included on all parts.
The supplemental parts include: treble clef C instrument parts suited for flute or violin, with a substitute part for clarinet in Bb and bass clef C parts for cello or bassoon. Either or both may be used to expand the solo.
More info, with video here.
One of my Beginning in the Middle students performed this at her church after just a year of lessons!
Beginning and ending with glissandi, this is a perfect choice for Palm Sunday.
If you can place four notes in a row and find thirds predictably, you should have no problems learning this.
key of C
1:30 minutes long
suitable for three octave harp, C-c or G-c.
Fingerings are included. 2 pages
listen here (opens in new window)
Christ the Lord Has Risen Today ~ EASTER HYMN, arranged by Barbara Ann Fackler
Two versions, one four times through, clear statement of the theme followed by three variations. The second version is for small harps and is more of a skill buidling arrangement, fewer notes, just the theme with intro and coda. More information here.
Useful all year, often on Easter, this useful arrangement is easy to keep at the ready. Advanced intermediate, especially for lever harp because of multiple lever changes throughout. Lever changes are indicated, pedals are not.
From the collection, The Sacred Lever Harp, this has been available only with the complete set until now. Available as a solo or with the supplemental parts, the solo becomes part of a duo or trio setting. Useful all year, in many settings, this useful arrangement is easy to keep at the ready. Solo arranged by Barbara Ann Fackler, parts by Daniel Fackler. Originally intended for a small lever harp, this is well suited for any harp. No full score is offered, but measure numbers are included on all parts. To order the entire collection, please visit the Sacred Lever Harp page.
More information here, with sound files and samples of pages.
This Irish hymn tune, popular in many churches, is most commonly known as "The King of Love, My Shepherd Is (Psalm 23) or "Breathe On Me, Breath of God (used on Pentecost and at baptisms). This hymn was used at Princess Diana's funeral.
You'll need to be comfortable with 6ths, 5ths and LH octaves. The last verse has LH harmonics that are optional. The set includes: pedal harp, 5 octave lever harp (with full levers), 22 string harps, C-c and G-g as well as two for 26 string harps: one for harps tuned in Eb with full levers and another for harps tuned in C with levers only on F. Cover art is included. 17 pages, one version includes suggested fingerings and one of the texts associated with the tune.
Recommended for Beginning in the Middle students. One version works on a Harpsicle tuned in C, another playable on a Sharpsicle. Save the rest for your next (bigger) harp. This is long enough for use as prelude or offertory.
