The Lade, the Loch, the Burn, the Lea - Karen Marshalsay

Standard: Intermediate      Harp Type: Lever Harp

Each of the four works is a charming Scottish idyllic landscape; technically not too hard to tackle, and with very little lever changes, the rhythmic interest is in the lilt of the groove and cross rhythms the left-hand draws around the right hand melodies.

• The Lade
• The Lock
• The Burn 
• The Lea

The first piece The Lade, was written for Harps North West's JuNEWary challenge 2024, and the other 3 form a suite of pieces that can be played after it if you wish, or can stand alone. 

Technical requirements:

Full range of 34 string harp, from low C (2 below middle C) to high E (3 above middle C). Lever changes between pieces. LH includes triads, 5ths, octaves (largest stretch required), rolled and broken chords, accompaniment to melody, harmonics, and notes played near the neck. Rhythmic patterns and chordal runs using both hands and LH crossing over RH. Both rhythmic and flowing melodic phrasing in RH. Full dynamic markings. C, G & D tunings. 4/4, 6/8 and 3/4 time signatures.

The Burn is now on the new (2025) ABRSM Harp Syllabus at Grade 4 for both Pedal and Non-Pedal Harp.