Download “Wonderful Words of Life” Mp3
This hymn by Philip P. Bliss was first published in 1874. Like many hymns Bliss composed, this one is still widely sung in many Christian denominations. I remember singing it as a child, and musically it is one of my favorite hymns.
I hope you enjoy “Wonderful Words of Life” on Oriole (soprano) and alto recorder, first as a duet and then accompanied by double strung harp, with a harp solo as well!
Download “Mingling Moonlit Thoughts” Mp3
Your day is done. It’s time to rest
And heal from any pain or stress.
While all the positive you keep,
Let go of negativity.
Those thoughts that prey upon your mind…
It’s time to leave them all behind.
Release each one like a balloon—
Away! To mingle with the Moon!
Her Light is bright and peaceful too,
Transforming thoughts… Transforming you!
So welcome Her within to shine
And free you from the thoughts that bind.
Tomorrow is another day;
Tonight you dream and sail away…
Go anywhere you wish and more;
You are the key… You are the door!
When you awake from deepest rest,
You feel renewed to do your best.
Embrace your sleep that plays a part,
And keep your dreaming near your heart!
Your dreams fly higher than balloons
To mingle with the Earth and Moon.
They heal you, even as you sleep,
And help your purpose fast to keep.
From healing night to helping day,
Allow your thoughts to sail away…
—
Written for Eugi’s mingle prompt and recorded with Zaphir Blue Moon/Winter chime.
http://amanpan.com/2021/05/27/eugis-causerie-weekly-prompt-mingle-may-27-2021/
Download “To God Be the Glory” Mp3
Like
“Near the Cross,”
“To God Be the Glory” was written by Fanny Crosby and William Howard Doane. It was first published in 1875 and is still a popular hymn in many Christian denominations.
I hope you enjoy today’s arrangement with ukulele, viola, alto recorder, myrtlewood and pear branch shakers, and of course, double strung harp!
Up
And down
Side to side
Forward, backward
Through chaos and calm
Have I been here before?
Inside out and upside down
Going somewhere, getting nowhere
At least, that’s how isolation feels…
So, I journey within to help me out!
https://wordcraftpoetry.com/2021/05/25/weekly-tanka-tuesday-poetry-challenge-no-227-themeprompt/
Download “The Magic Circle” Mp3
I ground and ground and circle round.
On Mother Earth I’m safe and sound.
What felt so lost, within is found.
I ground and ground and circle round.
I feel the Water, water well.
Emotions difficult dispelled,
A better story now to tell.
I feel the Water, water well.
I know the flaming Fire’s flame.
A transformation, not the same,
Destroying every fear and shame.
I know the flaming Fire’s flame.
The Air is fresh, refreshing mind,
And I am free, no more confined.
I work with Nature’s great design.
The Air is fresh, refreshing mind.
And Spirit makes my spirit soar!
Of Its foundation I am sure.
It manifests my Good and more,
For Spirit makes my spirit soar!
I ground and ground and circle round.
On Mother Earth I’m safe and sound.
What felt so lost, within is found.
I ground and ground and circle round.
—
Written for
Eugi’s Causerie Weekly Prompt – Magic
Recorded with Koshi Chimes and various shakers:
Earth: Terra chime and Rhythm Rock shaker
Water: Aqua chime and cowrie shell shaker
Fire: Ignis chime and Oregon myrtlewood triangular shaker
Air: Aria chime and pear branch Little Spirit shaker
Spirit: Harmony Ball Pendant and Egg of Creation (emu egg) shaker
Download “‘Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus” Mp3
“‘Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus” is based on Isaiah 12:2, which reads:
Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.
–(KJV)
Louisa M. R. Stead wrote the lyrics, and William J. Kirkpatrick wrote the melody to this hymn, first published in 1882. Though it’s still popular, I don’t remember singing it in church as a child. I do, however, vividly recall listening to a record album that included this hymn. (Thanks, Pop-pop Clyde!) I played and replayed it, because I liked how the melody flowed. And that was long before I played any instruments myself!
Speaking of instruments, there’s quite a merry folk band today! You’re listening to ukulele, viola, 2 wooden shakers (one of myrtlewood and one from a pear branch) alto recorder, and double strung harp.
I hope you enjoy this arrangement!
Download “Welsh Lullabies” Mp3
Length: About 7 minutes
Here are 2 Welsh lullabies that were part of my Double Strung Experiment series. Click the title links below to hear the lyre-and-zither versions:
All Through the Night
Suo Gan
Today I play the lullabies on Coda EDC Flute and double strung harp. The recording begins and ends with my Egg of Creation shaker, a natural, dried and painted emu egg filled with glass beads. However, I don’t think this recording does the shaker justice–the sound is very soft, calming, and beautiful. It’s also great for offering pain relief through sound healing. In addition, 2 Harmony Ball Earth Spheres play near the end of the lullabies.
I hope you find this meditative, relaxing, and peaceful!
Many attributes
Each a shining point of Light
One is within All
https://amanpan.com/2021/05/13/eugis-weekly-prompt-viewpoint-may-13-2021/
Download “Music, Elemental” Mp3
I wrote this
poem
7 years ago to the day, on May 17, 2014. I didn’t realize that until just now!
This reading is with Koshi chimes. These are beautiful handmade chimes from France that correspond to the elements of Earth, Water, Fire, and Air. They can be used as windchimes, but they are not made with tubes of various lengths suspended from their own cords.
Instead, there is one resonance cylinder, slightly larger than a soda can. There is a cord welded into the top to hold or hang the chime. Then, inside are small, round metal bars of different lengths that create the 8 notes of each tuning.
There is a clapper–I don’t know what else to call it–that hangs freely in the middle of the tube. This is what plays the notes as you move the chime. It’s a really interesting design!
These chimes are lovely to simply listen to, but also great for meditation or, in this case, reading poetry.
I play the chimes in the following order, according to the lines/mood of the poem:
Terra (Earth)
Aqua (Water)
Ignis (Fire)
Aria (Air)
Ignis (Fire)
Aria (Air)
Aqua (Water)
Ignis (Fire)
I really enjoy the Koshi Chimes and hope you enjoy this reading!
Download “The Sweet By-and-by” Mp3
This hymn was first published in 1868, with lyrics by S. Fillmore Bennett and music by Joseph P. Webster. It is still a popular traditional Christian hymn that appears in many modern hymnals. I’ve always found it comforting and peaceful.
Today, enjoy ukulele and viola, then compare the sounds of double strung harp, lyre, harp again, and last but not least, zither. Though these instruments are similar, they have different sound qualities. You will hear some slight buzzing in the harp recording, because I misplaced the microphone. My apologies!
Did you know? There are 98 strings in this arrangement! The harp has 23 strings on each side, for a total of 46. The lyre and zither each have 22 strings. Ukulele and viola have 4 strings each. That’s a lot of strings to tune!
I do hope you enjoy this hymn!
Mystical Strings 
You must be logged in to post a comment.