“Daisy Bell” was written in 1892 by Henry Dacre. It is better known as “Bicycle Built for Two.” This melody sounds particularly good on zither, because of the ringing wire strings. Enjoy, and feel free to download and share the mp3.
Category Archives: Inspirational Music
“Muss I Denn (Wooden Heart)” #Music
This traditional German folk song rose to worldwide recognition with Elvis Presley’s “Wooden Heart.”
I studied German for many years, from middle school through college, traveled to Germany and Austria, and taught German to younger students here in the U.S. I remember learning to sing the original German version of this song, and I also played it on recorder. I was one who chose to play recorder voluntarily. I.e. it wasn’t something required of me in elementary school, unlike my son, who had to learn recorder in third grade and wasn’t thrilled about it. 🙂
The song is about an apprentice/journeyman who must go away for training, leaving his sweetheart back in his hometown. He promises to be faithful, and I like to think he keeps his promise!
I hope you enjoy “Muss I Denn” on zither!
Download “Muss I Denn” Mp3.
“In the Bleak Midwinter” #Music
Several melodies have been written setting the poem,
“In the Bleak Midwinter” by Christina Rossetti
to music. Hear I play the music by Gustav Holst on zither. Reading the poem, you’ll notice it has a Christmas/Nativity theme. But the other stanzas are a great reminder of God’s power at any time of year, and of the truest gift we can give Him – our heart.
Where I live Winter is still in full swing, so I thought I would share this beautiful piece.
I hope you enjoy this arrangement. If you like, feel free to download and share the mp3:
“In the Bleak Midwinter” Mp3
“I Am Here for You” #Music #Mp3 #Love
This is related to my Valentine’s Day post:
On Love, the Greatest Human Experience
Download Mp3
Click the following link to download the mp3:
I Am Here for You – Lyre Mp3
Introducing the Lyre
Meet Sunny! This is a beautiful instrument I will introduce properly soon. Suffice it to say, it sounds like a harp, but it is a lyre, a modern take on one of the oldest stringed instruments.
I hope you enjoy this song. I wrote an early version in 2005 or so, and added a verse and revised the refrain for this arrangement. It feels more complete now.
I Am Here for You – Lyrics
1. Living in this world is so
Uncertain at times.
So hold fast to me!
In my Presence know the Love
That you seek to find;
I will never leave.
Refrain 1:
As sure as years pass
And as the sun sets;
As sure as tides change,
Like there’s east and west…
As sure as night comes
In the Spirit of Love
I Am here for you.
2. When you have a problem
That seems too big to solve,
My Spirit helps you through.
When you’re feeling weak,
And you can’t handle it all,
I Am holding you.
Refrain 2:
As sure as years pass
And as the sun sets;
As sure as tides change,
Like there’s east and west…
As sure as night comes
As below, so above,
I Am here for you.
3. Love for each and every one,
Love within yourself
In my Spirit free.
Build it up and bring it out
As I show you how.
I Am All you seek.
Refrain 3:
As sure as years pass
And as the sun sets;
As sure as tides change,
Like there’s east and west…
As sure as night comes
In my Spirit of Love
I Am here for you.
“Aura Lee” #Love #Music
This song became well-known with Elvis Presley’s version entitled “Love Me Tender.” But the melody was composed by George R. Poulton and published in 1861. The song was popularized during the Civil War and is still beloved today. Its modern recognition is proof that this song is a timeless classic. Here I play it on zither for your enjoyment. Feel free to download the mp3 and share it with someone you love!
“Die Forelle” by Schubert #Music #Mp3
Today is the 223rd birthday of Franz Schubert. I did not find this out until yesterday and wanted to record a Schubert piece on zither. Well, the “Ave Maria” I know and love so well would not fly, with accidentals I don’t quickly have access to on this instrument. So I searched for easy piano pieces and found this one, called “Die Forelle” (“The Trout”). Yesterday was the first time I heard this, so I spent many periods during the day arranging and practicing it. I’m pleased with how it turned out and hope you enjoy it, too!
Good Burns Night #Music #Mp3
Tonight is Burns Night, a celebration of Scotland’s National Poet, Robert Burns. Though he died in 1796, his work is still recited and sung by the everyday people of Scotland, over 220 years later. Now that’s a legacy!
Here I share two Burns songs on zither, “Ye Banks and Braes” and the original tune of
“Auld Lang Syne.”
They are not happy tunes, and the lyrics of “Ye Banks and Braes” lament a false love. However, that one is my favorite Burns melody. While I didn’t like the original tune of “Auld Lang Syne” the first time I heard it, it has grown on me now, and I enjoyed arranging it for zither.
Click the links below to download the mp3’s.
“Ye Banks and Braes”
“Auld Lang Syne” Original Tune
Slàinte mhath! (Slanj-uh va!) Good health to ye!
Ode to Joy #Music
If you’ve ever been to a student piano recital, or even if you haven’t, you’ve heard this piece by Ludwig van Beethoven. Adapted from his Ninth Symphony, it is often called “Ode to Joy.” But have you ever heard it played on zither? Now you will and I hope you enjoy it!
Want to learn this piece?
You can learn this and 9 other tunes on zither in my new beginner course! The price is $85 and includes the instrument, accessories, and audio-only lessons. There’s no need to read music, no print, and no Braille. I designed the lessons for anyone who is blind or visually impaired, and anyone who wants to learn to play an instrument by ear.
Course Contents
* Introduction and how to hold the instrument
* Tuning, with reference pitches
* Playing glissandos, the signature harp sound
* How to hold the pick
* Hand and finger position, for playing melodies and chords
* 10 folk songs, teaching melody and harmony for each one
* Tuning in different keys
* Christmas and hymns lessons are available separately
Zither Advantages
Not just a children’s instrument! Many people use the zither to teach children the basics of playing a musical instrument, as well as the concepts of melody, rhythm, and harmony. But it’s not just for kids.
If you’re looking for a lightweight, portable instrument, here it is. At 13″ long, 8″ high, and about 2″ thick, the zither is small. And weighing in at 2 pounds, it’s also very portable.
If you have arthritis or carpal tunnel, you can still play the zither easily. You can use the included guitar pick, or your fingers to create lovely melodies and harmonies.
Since the zither is played on your lap, those with back, neck or shoulder pain can play it comfortably.
As you can hear, the sound is bright, and offers a lot of sustain. This means you can play beautiful pieces without needing complex chords or many notes at a time.
The zither is so easy to pick up and play. After the first few tunings, it will stay in tune for some time. How long depends on the environment, but you can hear when it goes out of tune.
Looking for a way to relax? Playing this insstrument is very relaxing, and is also great for composing your own music, improvising, and meditation.
For More Information
If you have any questions, or you’d like to purchase the zither package and mp3 lessons using PayPal, please fill out the form below. This is not a payment form. Also, ask me about an installment payment plan if you need one.
Alternatively, you can email me directly at:
crystal (@) mysticalstrings.com
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Your information will only be used to contact you about this course and answer any questions you may have.
I look forward to sharing the joy of zither with you!
New Year’s Blessings and The Wassail Song #Music
“The Wassail Song” is an old English Christmas carol. But it’s fun, and I like the New Year’s blessings, so I sing it today, with ukulele. Enjoy, and have a blessed, happy, and God-guided 2020 and beyond! ❤
Auld Lang Syne – Music
You probably know this classic song, and maybe you’ve found yourself singing it on New Year’s Eve or perhaps at a Burns Night celebration. It’s a little melancholy/nostalgic, and I can never remember the words. But it was about the 4th or 5th song I learned to play when I began taking music lessons just after I turned 10. Here I play it on zither, and you can feel free to sing along if you like!
May this New Year’s Eve ring in a blessed and happy 2020 for you and all those your life touches–always!
Instrument: Zither (Lap harp or plucked psaltery)
Tuning: A4 = 432HZ
Mystical Strings 
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