New Harp Book of Manx Tunes

New Harp Book of Manx Tunes

Tue, 30 Apr 2013

The cover of Rachel Hair's new book of Manx tunes

A new Manx harp book has been produced by professional Celtic harpist Rachel Hair. Claasagh, which is Manx Gaelic for harp, is a collection of 20 traditional tunes, arranged by Rachel for her students in the Isle of Man.

For the past two years, Rachel has been giving monthly lessons in the Island, courtesy of the Manx Heritage Foundation, and she currently has 25 talented young students.

Charles Guard, harpist and Administrator of Manx Heritage Foundation, said:

We have been delighted that Rachel has been able to share her musical talent and special teaching skills with us on the Island and that as a result so many pupils here are now learning the harp.

 Rachel’s beautiful arrangements in Claasagh volume 1 range from elementary to advanced level, with well-known easier favourites such as “Smuggler’s Lullaby” to a jazzy interpretation of “Car ny Ferrishyn”, and so the book is a useful to addition to any harpist’s repertoire and a great introduction to the rich tradition of Manx music.

Based in Glasgow, Rachel Hair is “one of the UK’s finest contemporary Celtic harpists and tunesmiths” [Songlines], with several tune books and critically acclaimed CDs to her name.

 Published by March Hair Publications, in association with Manx Heritage Foundation, Claasagh is currently for sale for £13 (inc. postage) through Rachel’s website: www.rachelhair.com