|
Inspired by Christina Rossetti’s poem “Clouds,” On a Blue Hill creates a serene, atmospheric soundscape with subtle “blue” (jazzy) diatonic harmonies—no chromatics added. Written in 2021 during my composer residency with Harps North West, it’s designed for harp players seeking evocative contemporary repertoire. Two versions are available:
The piece flows without breaks through four sections:
A variety of extended techniques bring texture and colour: harmonics, xylophonics, xylophonic harmonics, bisbigliando, soundboard sweeps, fist thuds, and string bass board glissandi. For detailed demonstrations of all the techniques, performance tips, and the full piece, please watch the video.
0 Comments
Inspired by bio-luminescent plankton that glow in the dark, flashing arpeggio figures, the hum of rapid harmonics and a variety of extended techniques evoke this most magical of phenomena to scintillating effect. Sea of Stars was written in January 2020 and premiered by Lauren Scott and Eleanor Turner in an online performance in October 2020. Originally written for lever harp & pedal harp duo, I have subsequently arranged this piece for harp quartet. The quartet version can be played on 4 pedal harps or mixture of lever & pedal harps. Video of how to play the extended techniques in Sea of Stars |
Categories
All
AuthorLauren Scott is a harpist & composer and has been blogging on Harpyness for over 10 years. If you enjoy reading Harpyness and you'd like to buy me a virtual coffee that would be very welcome. Cheers!
Archives
January 2026
|
