For lever or pedal harp.
Laura Olson has arranged her amazing Celtic composition, Black Hounds of Cwn Annwyn for 4 or 5-part harp ensembles. Only 4 parts are shown on the score, as the Harp 5 part is optional. This music can be played on lever or pedal harps.
The music is available in one of 2 keys: C minor (3 flats) OR E minor (1 sharp). Be sure to order the key that will work for the harps in your ensemble. Each PDF includes the score, and all 5 parts in one key. There are no lever changes required in any of the parts. Fingerings are not included.
You can listen to this piece by clicking one of the arrow play buttons below. If you'd like to download a practice mp3 so you can play along, please order one of the mp3s for 99 cents.
Here's Laura's explanation of the title of this composition.
The Black Hounds of Cwn Annwn are the spectral hounds of Annwn, the otherworld of Welsh myth. Early Christians came to dub these mythical creatures as "The Hounds of Hell" or "Dogs of Hell" and erroneously theorized they were therefore owned by Satan. However, the Annwn of medieval Welsh tradition is an otherworldly paradise and not a hell or abode of dead souls. The Black Hounds are a nocturnal apparition, and their appearance was regarded as a portent of death. They are supposed to hunt on specific nights in the autumn and winter when it is believed that the howling of these huge dogs foretold death to anyone who heard them. Black Dogs, Black Hounds, The Hounds of Hell, Dogs of Hell, Gabriel Hounds, Yell Hounds, Barghest, Black Dog of the Hanging Hills, Gurt Dog or the Hounds of Herne the Hunter . . . by whatever name, they are a common feature in the folklore of the British Isles.
Click on the "Audio Tracks" button above to listen to the music.