Carols from Around the World

Carols from Around the World, Volume I, for lever and pedal harp without exception, arranged by Ray Pool. Published by Ray Pool, 2010, 25 pages. $ 20.00. 
Available from: http://www.raypool.com/.

Ray Pool always has something delightful to contribute to the world of published harp music.  Featured are 10 carols from Austria, Czechoslovakia, England, Ireland and Poland. Appropriate for intermediate players, this unique collection is designed to be played as 10 individual carols or they can be connected in pairs or even as a long medley of 10. Pool provides the appropriate modulation interlude if needed, including lever changes, leading to the key of the next piece. Pieces are in the keys of C, F and G. Special harp techniques include open left hand (thumb alone), rolled chords, P.D.L.T. and thumb sliding. Helpful fingerings and placings are included and lever changes are clearly marked. The back of the volume includes a lead sheet (melody and chords) and words for each tune. This is quite handy if you have a vocalist or instrumentalist you would like to work with and Pool gives permission to copy the lead sheets for use by your colleagues. There are no chord symbols included in the harp solo arrangements. This Volume I gives us a taste of what is yet to come. !