Download “Our God, Our Help in Ages Past” Mp3
Isaac Watts wrote this beloved hymn in 1708. The text is based on Psalm 90. The melody is “St. Anne” by William Croft. In some Christian hymnals, the first line is changed to “O God, Our Help in Ages Past,” and some of the original 9 stanzas are omitted. However, it is still a popular hymn in both Christian and Jewish music.
I hope you enjoy this arrangement, played on double strung harp and Oriole (soprano) recorder!
Play or download this poem with musical accompaniment.
A time for rest it’s time to take,
To ground in oneness with the ground.
Connections reconnected, found.
Awaken now, and be awake!
Meet all your needs for meeting’s sake,
And listen with a listening ear
To heart-felt breath and heartbeat clear.
Be mindful of your Mind inside,
The thinking thoughts that make your life;
With inner wisdom, wisely hear.
—
A musical Decima written for
Ronovan Writes Décima Poetry Challenge Prompt No. 55: (GROUND) in the B rhyme line.
The instruments are double strung harp, Rhythm Rock shaker, and alto recorder.
Download “The Secret in the Stone” Meditation with Double Strung Harp Mp3
Approximate length: 5 minutes
Come! Enter the realm of mystery,
Where Truth is revealed to those who seek,
Perhaps not with eyes, but through sensing and feel;
It’s the wisdom to know your important and real.
Where you’ll surely be given that for which you ask
Toward fulfilling your purpose and passing life’s tasks.
Take a look at the stone, in this place, in your mind,
And uncover the message your Spirit can find.
Do not worry or fret; it is written for you!
There’s no wrong way to hear it, whatever you do.
You might read it or sense it or feel in your heart
Gentle words of the Spirit in music or art.
It may come in the quiet, in dreams, or in sound.
But however, whenever, your message is found!
You will feel when you’ve got it, your life’s cornerstone.
It will help guide your path, knowing you’re not alone.
For the stone that you see here is only a sign
Of the worlds you can enter and brilliance you find
In your own heart and spirit, your mind, and your soul.
For within you are perfect! You’re wise, and you’re whole!
The secret in stone is a secret no more!
Your Truth is revealed; it is clear and so pure!
Now return to your journey of purpose and path;
You can seek any moment for answers–just ask!
—
Written for KL Caley’s wonderful #Writephoto Prompt, The Secret in the Stone:
Download “Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us” Double Strung Harp Mp3
This hymn was written by Dorothy Ann Thrup in the 1800’s. The music was later composed by William B. Bradbury. “Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead us” is still a popular hymn in many Christian churches today.
I hope you enjoy this double strung harp arrangement! First, I play the hymn as I would on a “normal” harp, or lyre, having one row of strings. Then, I play with both hands in the same octave. They don’t interfere with each other, because each hand has an entirely separate, parallel row of strings all to itself. Fascinating, isn’t it?
Download “The Ash Grove” Double Strung Harp Mp3
Last year I played this traditional Welsh tune on lyre. You can listen to it
here
and compare it to this version, played on double strung harp. The beauty of this harp is that each hand has access to its entire range, and the hands never run into each other’s playing area. This allows echoing and other effects not possible on a single strung (i.e. regular or normal) harp.
I hope you enjoy this lovely piece!
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!
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!
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:
This hymn was written by Isaac Watts (1674 – 1748). It was first published in 1707 and is still popular today, especially for evangelism.
I hope you enjoy this arrangement, played on viola and alto recorder, with ukulele accompaniment!
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!
Mystical Strings 
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