Coupled Hands for Harpers by Ann Heymann details a different approach to playing the harp. Most techniques emulate the keyboard philosophy of a “melody” hand and an “accompanying” hand, while Ann’s “Coupled Hands” calls for the use of both hands to express the melody, taking full advantage of the harper’s access to the same octave by both hands. Here the bass hand thumb takes the stressed melody notes and the treble hand sounds all the others. Most of the time the stressed notes taken by the bass hand thumb are simultaneously reinforced by the bass hand middle finger sounding an octave or other interval below. This practice idiomatically emphasizes the stressed notes while allowing the treble hand time to deal with subtleties of expression such as gracings, ornamentation and variation. This technique is particularly advantageous when playing fast dance tunes. In this large, comprehensive book, Ann introduces her approach gradually and progressively, beginning with a rhythmic use of the hands before discussing fingering and techniques. The simple notation presents all necessary information without complexity or confusion. Although particularly geared to take advantage of the longer resonance of wire-strung harps, this technique can be used on any type of harp of any size. Included are over 80 tunes from Europe and the British Isles arranged for playing levels from experienced novice to advanced. There are also exercises, practice tips, a notation index, and background and historical information. 148 pages, wire spiral-bound.
Contents:
Mhnathan a'Ghlinne Seo (Women of this Glen)
Woe Betyde Thy Wearie Bodie
Er Paotr Ered Arajet (The Rabid Bridegroom)
The Hermits' Branle
Goll na Mna San Ar (Cry of the Ulster Women after the battle)
Déirín Dé
An Airigh Luachrach (The Shieling of Rushes)
Suo-Gân
Ushag Veg Ruy (Little Red Bird)
Téir Abhaile 'Riú (Go Home With You)
Maol Dònaidh (The Fisherman's Song for Attracting the Seals)
The Mermaid's Song
Gàdhaig Dhubh Na'm Feadain Fiar (Dark Gaich of Winding Ravines)
Fhuair Mi Pòg a Laimh an Righ (I Have Kissed the King's Hand)
Ugi Nan Gu Smo Thriall Dachaidh (I am a Wanderer and My Journey is Homeward)
Nighean Donn Nan Gabhar (The Maid That Tends the Goats)
Danza de las Tabiernas
Oigh Mhùirneach Ho (The Darling Virgin)
Because of the Traitor I Die
Kloareg Landreger (The Clerk of Landreger [Tréguier])
An Intañv (The Widower)
Dans A-Sailheù
An Bhfaca Tú an Stáraí Dubh? (Did You See the Black-haired Rogue?)
My Dearest Sueate is Fardest Fra Me
Caidil Gu Lò
Sleep On Till Day
Vox Nostra Resonet
The Clergy's Lamentation
Deandrimín Dílis (Dear Little One)
An Raibh Tu 'gCill Dara? (Were You At Kildare?)
Laling from Trysil
Ym Mhontypridd Mae Nghariad (My Sweetheart is in Pontypridd)
Troiad Y Droell (The Whirling of the Spinning Wheel)
Spinning Tune
Abu Chuibhl (The Spinning Wheel)
Isabel Foalsey (False Isabel)
Tha Oighr' Og Aig Fear Dhungallan (Dungallan's Young Heir)
The Quick Step
Seven Step Polka
Bó na Leathadhairce (The One-Horned Cow)
Galician Tune
Carrasquina
Rondeau
3 Laridenn
Miss Goulding
Miss Murphy
El Chinguirichin
Calainos is Riding Forth
Crodh-Laoigh Nam Bodach (The Old Man's Calf)
Aandowin at da Bow
Hal-An-Tow
Mr. Edwards the Harpe
Cailín O Chois tSiúre Mé (I Am a Girl From the Banks of the Suir)
2 Scottish Branles
Kilkenny Ploughman's Whistle
Martin Talty's Jig
High Jig
Walls of Liscarroll
Hardiman the Fiddler
O'Neill's Cavalcade
Sporting Pat
The Fowler in the Heather
My Love is in America
The Wren
The Waulking of the Plaiding
Miss Welsh
Tha Mi Sgith (Cutting Ferns)
The House of New
The House of Achluncart
Neil Roy
The Swan's Note
The Cornish Squire
An Gleann Draoidheachta (The Enchanted Glen)
Carolan's Draught
George Brabazon
Uair Bheag Ghoirm Roimh an Lá (A Little Grey-Blue Hour Before Day)
Fuath Nam Fidhleirean (Contempt For Fiddlers)
Cumha Peathar Ruaidhri (Rory Dall's Sister's Lament)
Canaries
Lamento di Tristan & La Rotta
Unha Noite no Santo Cristo (One Night in Santo Cristo)
Click here to see a short bio of Ann Heymann
