Category Archives: Inspirational Music

Springtime Dance #Poem #Music

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Download “Springtime Dance” Double Strung Harp Mp3

O let us dance and let us sing
In praise of beauty that is Spring!
As flowers bloom and songbirds sing,
There’s brand new life in everything!

We’re not exempt; we’re not left out
Of all the giving Spring’s about!
We can transform, without a doubt:
Just look within and let it out!

Let in the new! The old, release.
Let go of fear, allowing peace.
In harmony replace dis-ease
And safety calm anxieties.

We’re not alone—we have a guide,
The voice of wisdom deep inside,
The One who our true needs provides
And gives us heartbeat, breath and life!

So let us dance and let us sing
In praise of beauty that is Spring!
As flowers bloom and songbirds sing,
There’s brand new life in everything!

—-
Written for Eugi’s Weekly Prompt, Dance:

https://amanpan.com/2021/04/22/eugis-weekly-prompt-dance-april-22-2021/

This poem started with just 4 lines. But as I wrote, it expanded. After I went to bed last night, glad to have written my NaPoWriMo contribution for the day, it occurred to me it would make a great song! And the music was there, so I captured it on my double strung harp while it was still fresh in my mind. When Eugi left a comment saying the poem could be a song, I knew I had to record it and include the audio here. So, here it is! Thank you very much, Eugi!

“Seed of a Dream” Sue Vincent Tribute #Music

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Download “Seed of a Dream” Mp3

What can I say about Sue Vincent? My words will fall short, no matter
how well meant. Still I will pay tribute to her life and legacy.

I only knew Sue from her blog,
Sue Vincent’s Daily echo,
particularly her #Writephoto posts and humorous “small dog” poems from
Annie’s point of view. I also very much enjoyed her posts on
The Silent Eye,
where she directed, taught, ran workshops, and mentored students in
their Mystery School.

Even throughout her illness and hospitalization, Sue continued to
share beautiful poetry, including her lovely #MidnightHaiku series
which has been published in book form. She never failed to inspire and
support her fellow bloggers, whether or not she had met them in
person. I am one of those bloggers. Her prompts provided the
inspiration for me to begin writing songs again, after a long hiatus.
In fact, “Seed of a Dream” is a piece I wrote in response to one of
her #Writephoto prompts last year. I’m sharing it today, played on
double strung harp and Coda EDC Flute, in loving memory of Sue
Vincent.

I invite anyone who would like, to share your favorite memories of
Sue, how she helped or inspired you, and anything else you choose to
share. I also hope this piece brings you comfort and peace in this
time of grieving.

If you haven’t done so already, please visit Stuart France’s post
sharing excerpts from Sue’s funeral service:
A Life Well Lived.

Blessings to all of you!

“Effervescent Heart” #SixSentenceStories #Poem #Music

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Download “Effervescent Heart” Mp3

This harp is quite special, a fabulous thing!
A portable package with two rows of strings!
You’re hearing the magical, mystical sound
Of new possibilities looked for—and found!
O listen for echoing phrases intwined
To harmonize body with heart, soul and mind.
A pleasure to play and a blessing to hear;
We celebrate now: Daphne Phoenix appears!
And don’t forget Zephyr, the EDC* Flute,
A song in your pocket and awfully cute!

*EDC: Everyday Carry

—-
Music and poem written especially for Denise’s #SixSentenceStories effervescent prompt:

It’s Six Sentence Story Thursday Link Up!

“All Things Bright and Beautiful” #Music

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Download “All Things Bright and Beautiful” Mp3

Here are 2 musical settings for the hymn, “All Things Bright and Beautiful.” If you live in the United States, you’re probably most familiar with the first one, composed by William Monk. If you live in the United Kingdom, you probably know “Royal Oak,” the traditional melody for the second setting.

I hope you enjoy hearing these tunes on Oriole (soprano) and alto recorder (which plays the verses of “Royal Oak”), with ukulele accompaniment!

“Near the Cross” #Music

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Download “Near the Cross” Mp3

Happy Easter! Yes, it’s late. But here is a popular hymn played on lyre and alto recorder, “Near the Cross.” The lyrics were written by Fanny Crosby, and the melody by William Howard Doane.

Enjoy, and I hope you had a wonderful Easter!

“The Red Bridge” #Music

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Download “The Red Bridge” Mp3

This is a piece I wrote for one of Sue Vincent’s #Writephoto prompts
last May. I didn’t sing it at the time, but posted a meditation
version on lyre. You can listen to or download that
here.

This version has vocals, accompanied by ukulele. There’s also a viola
part, melody on alto recorder, and an alto recorder duet.

I hope you enjoy this arrangement!

“Madrid” #Music

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Download “Madrid” Mp3

The Spanish traditional melody, “Madrid,” has also been published as
“Seville.” It is the musical setting for the hymn, “Come, Christians,
Join to Sing.” Christian henry Bateman wrote the lyrics in the 1800’s.
However, they are a rewritten version of a hymn by William Edward
Hickson, “Join Now in Praise, and Sing,” also written in the 1800’s.
Both hymns are in the public domain in the United States. Although we
no longer need to be concerned with copyright issues, we should still
give credit where credit is due.

My arrangement of “Madrid” is played on lyre, alto recorder, and
viola. I hope you enjoy it, and wish you a happy, peaceful, and safe
Palm Sunday!