Windshadows II, by Kim Robertson



In 1987, Hal Leonard published a wonderful book of 16 Celtic tunes and 2 original tunes, arranged and composed by Kim Robertson, called Windshadows II.

Apparently, at some point, they decided to discontinue publishing the collection.  :-(

Well, welcome to 2012!  Kim, along with the help of Verlene Schermer of Karmalu Productions, has re-printed the collection.
Hooray!

The arrangements have been edited and re-notated, minimizing the page turns from the original edition. Helpful chord symbols are provided, and it has a nice spiral binding.

You can find the book at the usual harp music retailers, for only $ 20.00!
Well worth it.  The level is mostly appropriate for mid to later intermediate players and beyond.

You really cannot go wrong with a book of music from Kim Robertson!

Good Morning from chilly Toledo, Ohio!
I want to share news of some recently published music with you.

Louise Trotter has created a new collection called Puerto Rican Sketches.

Each selection is 2 pages long, so you do not have to worry about page turns! I think these compositions could be played by later beginners and above.

"Old San Juan" is in the key of D minor and you only need to set your B levers to flat and your C levers to sharp before you begin. No changes at all during the tune!  The style is a bit like a Tango in places, easy to read the notation (music notation was done by Sharon Thormahlen), and chord symbols are included. The tune includes crossing the left hand over the right...very fun... a rolled chord and even a gliss at the end!

"The Beach" opens with glisses and big rolled chords.  Louise says to play the glisses while "visualizing a gentle surf". This selection is in the key of C and requires no lever changes at all. A few helpful fingerings are included, but no chord symbols.

"The Rainforest" features some harmonics and some descending glisses which use the back of the nails...sounds like 'soft rain'! AT the end, Louise includes some pairs of strings played, followed by a muffle, which creates the sound of the Coqui frog! Fun! There are a few fingerings, but no chord symbols marked in this one.

"Fiesta!" is in a medium 6/8 time. This one will make you want to dance! Louise mentions that you will want to play this with a 'strict rhythm'.  She even suggests a clapping rhythm which can compliment the tune. A few helpful fingerings and also chord symbols are included.

Bonus! Louise has included an audio CD with this collection!  You can listen to her play each of the compositions, giving you an idea of how the composer plays them herself!

The book and CD sell for only $ 15.00.  For more information, go to www.louisetrotter.com.

..and tell her I sent you!

Happy Harping!

Denise