David Hellewell - Rags 'n romance: a selection of pieces in popular styles transcribed and arranged for harp by Catrin Finch.

This collection of works by composer David Hellewell includes three of Catrin's favourite encores in new and updated versions, along with three new, specially transcribed pieces, all ideal for concerts, functions or just fun!

Chicken-Pickin'
Rag A jolly ragtime piece written in 1976 but brought up to date to include some modern funky music. It opens with a short sentimental intro, leading into the main theme followed by contrasting secions leading to Freak-out! and a final chuck-chuck chicken call.

Kentucky Rag
This rag evokes the atmosphere of the horse and trap races with the high-stepping elegant horses. It shouldn't be played too quickly, but in a refined and elegant way with a sprightly bass line —just like those dancing, high-stepping horses!

Plastic Cakewalk
Another ragtime piece brought up to date, hence the "plastic" in the title! A "Cakewalk" was a popular ragtime dance performed by a waiter holding a plate of cakes. This bright and lively piece has several contrasting sections with blues and funky phrases which would wouldn't have been heard in a classicic ragtime of the day. It closes brightly with a few broken fragments — the cakes must have reached the table more or less intact!

Madelaine
This is a gentle classical piece in three parts throughout. Always bring out the melody above the accompaniment and aim for a lovely singing tone in the string climaxes. Watch for the sudden changes in dynamics and the long crescendos and ritenutos. This is a piece that develops a true legato style of playing.

Willow Weep
Here's another contrasting piece in a classical style but with unusual phrasing and modern harmonies. It's a slow and expansive 4-to-the-bar, but with a wide variety of tempo changes within phrases. Really push the accelerandos forward and slow down at the ritardandos, almost to a stop before the short pauses between phrases.

Sad Sonatine
A lovely, curious mixture of classical Mozartian delicacy together with folk-like elements and funky, blues-like passages. Although there are some different time changes you will find that these fit in quite naturally when you know the piece.