This hauntingly beautiful three-part harp ensemble was commissioned for the opening of a new 2000-seat concert facility, Strathmore Music Hall, in Bethesda, Maryland. Dance of the Harps is presented with an underlying 3/4 accompaniment of swaying rhythm. The melody is shared between the first and second parts, while the third part provides underlying rhythm. The melody develops and expands and is followed by a sharply contrasting middle section, which is much faster and jig-like. In this section, the harps let loose in their dance, which has become spirited and playful. Following this faster middle section, the ensemble returns to the original melody, but with greater intensity and rhythmic vitality. As the piece comes to its dramatic conclusion, layer upon layer of rich harmonies unfold and become increasingly intense, culminating in a bell-like explosion of syncopated celebratory sound. The piece can be played by an ensemble of all level intermediate lever or pedal harpists, as each of the three parts is written with a different degree of technical difficulty.

These Multi-level pieces were initially arranged in an A Version. When thatwas completed, it was then simplified to form a B Version. The B Version has thinner lines and allowsmore time for placing the fingers. The purpose is to permit harpists of variousplaying levels to enjoy performing together.

This is a cool, relaxed, swaying in the breeze four verse arrangement ofa Caribbean favorite in the key of D. The stopped off-beats throughout thepiece sound like the waves gently lapping against a boat. The melody is equallydivided between parts. Dynamics are clearly marked.

These Multi-level pieces were initially arranged in an A Version. When thatwas completed, it was then simplified to form a B Version. The B Version has thinner lines and allowsmore time for placing the fingers. The purpose is to permit harpists of variousplaying levels to enjoy performing together.

This is a cool, relaxed, swaying in the breeze four verse arrangement ofa Caribbean favorite in the key of D. The stopped off-beats throughout thepiece sound like the waves gently lapping against a boat. The melody is equallydivided between parts. Dynamics are clearly marked.

Hill Country Miniatures for 8-part Trombone Ensemble was written by Richard J. Lawn in 2002 for the Trombone Choir at the University of Texas and its director Nathaniel Brickens. The work is dedicated to Donald Knaub its former director. It has become a staple in the American Trombone Ensemble repertoire since its original release. Mr. Lawn explains in the notes, his deep emotional connection to the Hill Country land and to his days at the Eastman School of Music, hearing the legendary Trombone Choir led by Emory Remington and following through to his days at the University of Texas with Knaub and Brickens, all of which inspired him to compose this work.

This music is about 15 minutes in length and is for advanced performers.

The four movements of the work are:

Hickory Cove - September 2001 - a lyrical, somber and solemn introductory movement.

Smithwick - a jaunty piece reflecting the Scottish and English heritage of this tiny Texas spot.

The Narrows - As part of the Colorado River narrows, it twists and turns its way through the Texas Hill Country. You can hear the gentle waters winding through the cliffs and slopes.

Blue Bonnet Boogie - The springtime brings a profusion of the Blue Bonnet, the Texas state flower. A sea of these swaying in the breeze brings out the good old down-home boogie-woogie! A jazz solo featuring Bass Trombone (written for Bill Reichenbach in mind) with solo written out or improvised using chord symbols adds a festive finish.

Cherry Classics is proud to be the new distributor of this great work.