For Harp Escape vol. 11, I played two songs: What the River Says and Aer Enim. Both of the songs have a river theme.
If you like this music, you can purchase an arrangement of this medley on my website here or at SheetMusicPlus.com
This is one summer’s day as a harpist. I couldn’t ask for more perfection weather-wise. Blue on blue. Gentle waves and breeze. Seventy degrees. My ferry docks and so begins my work day.
Today’s wedding is in Issaquah at a mansion/estate/farm on a once mellow country road. Now, there are paragliders floating down the blue mountain foothills in the distance. Next to that, is a park and ride, full of RVs and cars, from tourists, commuters, and some probably camping out. The traffic is a non-stop flow of suburban stop and go.
On the drive there, I think to write a theme in B, calling it “Blue Cascade.” But I am looking for my exit, not a melody. Perhaps this will make a nice assignment for myself later.
Continue reading “One Summer’s Day As a Harpist”For Harp Escape volume 10, I played Fly Me to the Moon, the well-known jazz standard by Bart Howard. Originally, Harp Escape vol. 10 was recorded during quarantine times for a feel-good relaxing offering of harp music. I did a mix of contemporary cover songs, traditional Irish, classical, and this jazz tune.
Many musicians, especially those who have taken music history classes and read sheet music, are aware of who Hildegard von Bingen was. I was first introduced to Hildegard’s music as a teenager by my organ teacher, when I was playing for mass. Fast forward a few years, and I went to university where I heard about her again (in music history). I even ended up writing a paper on her. Thirdly, I came across Hildegard’s music when I played harp in hospital and hospice as a Certified Clinical Musician.
Hildegard von Bingen lived from 1098-1179 in Germany during the Middle Ages, at a time when education and literacy were controlled by the Catholic Church. Hildegard was “given” as a tithing to the church, not an uncommon practice of the time. When she was 14, she was sent to live a life of religious devotion in Disibodenberg.
Continue reading “How To Publish A Book of Sheet Music”Hildegard von Bingen was an visionary artist, herbalist, healer, writer, philosopher, poet, and composer born at the end of the 12th Century. Her wisdom elevated her to be a highly respected and well-known within her lifetime. What a Medieval mystic can teach us about wellness today is linked to music and plants as medicine.
Like Hildegard von Bingen, I believe herbs (and music) can soothe and heal the body, mind, and spirit. Herbs may or may not cure an ailment, but they can be a balm to what ails you, just as therapeutic music plays a part in a healing process.
Continue reading “What a Medieval Mystic Can Teach Us About Wellness”
