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Puirt Ura (New Tunes for Harp) - Intermediate (book)

This intermediate harp book is in Scottish style and ideal for the developing player. This series of books was written by a former musician in residence at Feis Rois, Fraya Thomsen, who is now studying film composition at the National Film and Television School in London. Fraya has her own teaching practice and has worked for a wide variety of musical organisations such as the Edinburgh International Harp Festival and Dinan International Harp Meeting. Some of the tunes were written for workshops she teaches at and for her own pupils as they progressed on the harp.

Under Browse – Digital Albums - a CD of the tracks from this book can be purchased for £3.00 to help you learn these tunes.

Delighted to be a part of the Scottish Harp revival, Fraya has drawn on her broad teaching experience to make a collection which has an exciting modern feel whilst promoting good technique and a musical approach. This is a bilingual book in Gaelic and English and received support from Feisean nan Gaidheal (a network of community-based Gaelic arts tuition festivals and learning opportunities) and Comhairle nan Leabhraichean (The Gaelic Books Council)

Details

Instruments:
Harp
Book format:
A4
Authors:
Fraya Thomsen
ISBN:
978-1-906804-8-4
Articulations:
Staff notation
Tune Types:
Air, Jig, Reel, Strathspey, Waltz
Occasions:
Ceilidh
Pages:
16
Level:
Intermediate
Arrangers:
Fraya Thomsen
Date:
2012
Origin:
Scottish
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Table of contents

  • Rebecca Grewcock’s
  • Charlotte and Craig’s
  • Leasanan draibhidh Bob Burt/Bob Burtís Driving Lessons
  • An Duine Snog/Mr Nice
  • Na h-Amadain Chaola/Skinny Idiots
  • Tuaineal an t-sneachda/Snowy Daze
  • Am Port Lubach/The Bendy Tune
  • Garry Porch’s
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Reviews

Vol. 1,2 and 3 are bilingual books in Gaelic and English, featuring a page about technique as well as finger placing and plucking exercises, original tunes and the traditional song "Seallaibh curaidh Eòghain". Written for Beginners, Intermediate and Advanced players. After all, it is a great collection of neo-Celtic tunes deeply rooted in the Scottish tradition.

Alex Monaghan - Folkworld

“Fraya Thomsen is a Scottish harpist and composer in high demand. As one half of the duo, The Duplets, her tunes are widely sought after. She has drawn on her broad teaching experience to make a collection which has an exciting, modern feel, whilst promoting good technique and a musical approach to make the music “full of spirit and spontaneity.”

These are good, well produced and clearly printed books, that would enhance any harp player’s collection. Some of the tunes can also be found on the Duplets CDs.”

Kathy and Bob Drage, Living Tradition Magazine

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