Creighton's Collection

25/05/2024

This dreamy piece is performed here by Tabitha Appel on violin and Peter McMullin on piano. There are also versions for flute and clarinet, and the sheet mu...

13/02/2024

In 2026, The American Harp Society is partnering with the World Harp Congress to create an incredible in-person event, One Harp World, in Toronto, Canada!

Interested in learning more about what this event will look like? Interested in volunteering? Join us at this link on February 18th at 3 pm Eastern Time for a fun information session! https://loom.ly/bRCxhcw

We will share more about the event and talk about how to participate with proposals, loaning harps, and joining committees.

21/01/2024

New flute & harp music published by Creighton's Collection:
Eight Noble Miniatures for Flute and Harp by David V. Montoya.

Of the four Noble Truths of Buddhism, the last is the Eightfold Path to happiness and to the elimination of suffering. Eight Noble Miniatures is a meditation on that philosophy. This path is often pictured as a wheel with eight spokes. Each spoke on the wheel represents a way of seeing life from a compassionate point of view, for both oneself and for others. In my setting each movement stands for each spoke, beginning and ending with Right Mindfulness.

Musically, each movement is based on a mode that is different from our traditional western major/minor paradigm. Every mode is drawn from other world cultures. While the entire piece may seem very chromatic at times, the unique harmony comes from the various combinations of tones from each mode creating possibly unfamiliar sounds to the western-conditioned ear. Where these pieces can sound very chromatic to some listeners, they are in fact all diatonic!

Since the piece was conceived as a wheel, it begins and ends with the same movement. Great care has been taken to balance the various musical elements around the wheel. So, for example, a piece with a minor third from tonic to mediant, is balanced with one using a major third. Further, a movement in a simple meter is balanced with a movement in a compound meter - slow vs. fast, solo harp vs. solo flute, etc. This arrangement creates a smooth and flowing progression of miniatures that leads the listener on a unique journey from a place of repose to the exact same mindful movement.

Each movement has a different tonic. If one tracks those notes clockwise starting from G, they will discover a mode called Bairov-with-Two-Fourths spelled G - Ab - B - C - C # - D - Eb - F # - G. This helps in the organization of the piece, but is not necessarily crucial to the auditory experience.

http://www.creighton-griffiths.co.uk/acatalog/David_Montoya.html

Listen to a recording of the work on YouTube that is synchronised with images of the sheet music: https://youtu.be/HDqkyWkUZgU

21/01/2024

New Harp Music published by Creighton's Collection:
Wee Tunes for Harp by Hannah Haynes. New music composed in the Scottish Borders for pedal or lever harp. Hannah's music is influenced both by her classical training, and by her love of the landscape in which she lives, in the Scottish Borders. The tunes here are very loosely progressive in terms of their difficulty level, from "advanced beginner" level onwards. The most difficult piece in the book, A Linton Love Lilt, sits at about grade 5.
http://www.creighton-griffiths.co.uk/acatalog/Hannah_Haynes.html

03/11/2023

30/09/2023

Commemorating the 70th anniversary of the death of Dylan Thomas.
Featuring performances of Dylan by Michael Stimpson, published by Creighton's Collection. An exquisite song-cycle for baritone and harp charting the life of Dylan Thomas. Performed by Gareth Brynmor John (baritone) and Alis Huws (harp)

4th November 2023 - Swansea, Wales
An intimate concert from the house that Dylan Thomas lived in for the first twenty three years of his life. Audio and video producers World of Sound and innovative streaming platform Livey are collaborating to bring this extraordinary musical event into your very own home. Live Stream Tickets https://shoutout.wix.com/so/57Ofl5NEZ/c?w=xK58vH6MUgdXlN_C4N2ff2pfPQ8zCrWNBS_yv11APoQ.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93YXRjaC5saXZleS5ldmVudHMvZXZlbnRzL2IwNDVmNzUxLTc5NmItNDhjYS1iNjUwLTA1Y2E1Yjg5ODhjZCIsInIiOiJjZTE5MTM0My1mOTA1LTRkODMtYzJkZC05MmI5NGFkMWZjNDgiLCJtIjoibWFpbF9scCIsImMiOiIwMDAwMDAwMC0wMDAwLTAwMDAtMDAwMC0wMDAwMDAwMDAwMDAifQ

11th & 12th November 2023 - New York City, USA
The US premier of the piece will take place at Rutgers Presbyterian Church (236 W 73rd St) on the evening of 11th November, and a further performance will take place in the afternoon of 12th November at St John's in the Village (218 W 11th St). Tickets available here. https://shoutout.wix.com/so/27Oe2_Lvw/c?w=s4DsFeo808_zZrV2t0zmHruIXQwDq8hccSLXlXoOmuI.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9idXl0aWNrZXRzLmF0L21pY2hhZWxzdGltcHNvbm11c2ljIiwiciI6ImNlMTkxMzQzLWY5MDUtNGQ4My1jMmRkLTkyYjk0YWQxZmM0OCIsIm0iOiJtYWlsX2xwIiwiYyI6IjAwMDAwMDAwLTAwMDAtMDAwMC0wMDAwLTAwMDAwMDAwMDAwMCJ9

The sheet music is available from Creighton's Collection: http://www.creighton-griffiths.co.uk/acatalog/Michael_Stimpson.html

27/09/2023

10th anniversary International Competition of Duos with Harp in Cieszyn (Poland) already in April 2024! 🥳

We warmly encourage you to participate!
Details at www.harfa.pl

22/09/2023

“If they were based in London rather than Cardiff their names would probably be all over the jazz media. Look out for Chube, all the signs are there t...

12/09/2023

A live rendition of Chube’s version of Black Orpheus by Louis Bonfa. Recorded at a performance at Pepper’s Art Gallery as part of Aberjazz Festival 2023. Har...

18/05/2023

Published today: A new edition of Wind Across the Poppy Field by Stephen Dunstone, a moderately advanced Harp Trio or 3 Part Harp Ensemble for pedal or lever harps.
Wind Across The Poppy Field was written for a pedal harp trio, but although all players have to switch between D♮ and D # numerous times in multiple octaves, it is possible for lever harpists to manage all the necessary changes, with a little planning. As I’ve included quite a few 6th octave Bs, and the very final notes for Harps 1 and 2 are 1st octave Bs, a lever harp with an extended range is an advantage. But there are ways round these limitations without spoiling an audience’s enjoyment of the music, so don’t be put off if you don’t have pedals or a 38-string lever harp!
http://www.creighton-griffiths.co.uk/acatalog/Stephen_Dunstone.html

https://youtu.be/6vSVcYWRyAI

23/03/2023

"A joyous evening of wonderful music, I cannot wait to see Malvern’s finest again. Bravo!"
https://fairypoweredproductions.com/chandos-symphony-orchestra-review/

28/02/2023

New edition published today: We have just published a new edition of Tubby's Tango by Stephen Dunstone. Like Dreamweaver (published December 2022) it is an intermediate level 4-part harp ensemble, but also has an optional percussion part. This is what Stephen says about the work:-

"Tubby’s Tango started life as a 16-bar piece written for pupils to get practice in reading syncopated rhythms in the bass clef. That entire original piece is what Harps 1 and 2 play here between bars 5 and 20.

As with so much of what I write, a bit of harmony got added to fill it out, then a couple of counter melodies, then a section where it goes into the major, and eventually a half minute exercise became a three-and-ahalf- minute piece of Latin-American entertainment. At that point it seemed entirely logical to add maracas and a woodblock. I was very tempted to put a tambourine in as well, but resisted the urge largely because I didn’t want the score to run on to too many pages (or be too small to read). However, if you have someone who fancies putting some tambourine flourishes in as well (or instead), please let them do it. Just don’t drown out the harps!

The Tubby in the title, by the way, is a homage to Tubby the Tuba, who also got a nice low tune of his own. It has nothing to do with rotund harpists. (Or percussionists.)"

http://www.creighton-griffiths.co.uk/acatalog/Stephen_Dunstone.html

29/01/2023

I’m so looking forward to sharing some music alongside two of my most advanced students! This concert will be very relaxed, with plenty of cakes on offer 🍰🧁🥮❤️ what’s not to enjoy?!

10/01/2023

In December 2022 we published two intermediate level 4 part harp ensemble compositions by Stephen Dunstone: Dreamweaver and Pink Bird. See further information at https://www.creighton-griffiths.co.uk/acatalog/Four-Part-Harp-Ensemble.html

24/11/2022

I am incredibly excited for the 19th March next year when I get to premiere my Concerto for Jazz Harp with the Chandos Symphony Orchestra at the Forum Theatre in Malvern. Tickets are now on sale, and you can get them from the theatres website (link is in the comments below).

I can’t wait to share this work with a fabulous orchestra, and hope to see many of you there!

13/09/2022

In December 2021 we published Clap Battles by Stephen Dunstone - 138 clapping duets including Performance Pieces with piano accompaniment to turn your rhythm practice into a Performance Art. This morning I have 5 more of Stephen's wonderful Supporting Videos of the Performance Pieces. See further information at http://www.creightonscollection.co.uk/Pages/scores/SD/SD1063.html and you can purchase copies at https://www.creighton-griffiths.co.uk/acatalog/Harpo_Beginners.html

24/08/2022

New harp music publication -
Hirondelle (Swallow) by Sue Rothstein.

Solo work for advanced pedal harp which was written for and dedicated to Claire Iselin. The World Première was given by Sue Rothstein at the 14th World Harp Congress, Cardiff, 24th July 2022.

http://www.creighton-griffiths.co.uk/acatalog/Sue_Rothstein.html

23/08/2022

New Solo Harp Publication from Adlais Music Publishers::
Sonata - Mr Naderman comes to Wales by David Watkins.

http://www.creighton-griffiths.co.uk/acatalog/David_Watkins_SM.html

Sonata - Mr Naderman comes to Wales

Masako Shinto, who commissioned this Sonata, asked me to include the name Naderman in the title. Her wonderful single action harp was made in the late eighteenth century by Jean-Henri Naderman, one of the most sought after harp makers. His son, François Joseph Naderman, is remembered for his harp compositions and progressive sonatas which most of us have had to learn to improve our techniques.

“Naderman” is the name that Masako Shinto has given to her harp.

If her harp came to Wales it would be obvious that a Welsh Folk Tune would be played on it, and so I have chosen the air “All youths and maidens fair” (Pob mab a merch wiwlan) to open the Sonata.

The second movement starts with a scherzo where the youths and maidens are playing together and thumbing their noses at each other. It is followed by a middle section where everything calms down and there is a sense of nobility of purpose. However, the scherzo returns with its ‘rough and tumble’ and ends brilliantly but quietly.

Masako Shinto became well known for providing music for those people near to death and so the ‘Elegy’ is a “Benediction for a Departing Soul”, simple but compelling as the music soars heavenwards.

The Perpetuum Mobile is a Rondo in quasi eighteenth century style. I have used enharmonics D # and Eb, and G # and Ab in the initial theme, the only ones possible on the single action harp. The middle section is a bow towards Francis Poulenc (a composer I knew in Paris) and then the Rondo returns and ends with glitter.

This work is for Single Action or Concert Harp.

19/08/2022

NEW Publication: Between Earth, Sea & Sky revisited / Fireside Dreams by Monika Stadler

Two 2 new (2022) compositions for two harps or harp ensemble (concert or single action harp) and are published as companion pieces for Preseli Skies & African Reflections. They are suitable for intermediate standard harpists.

Between Earth, Sea & Sky revisited: The concept of the Three Worlds pre-dates the more widely known classical four elements of Earth, Air, Fire and Water. Earth, Sea and Sky appeared especially relevant to me while walking along the wind-swept, wave carved coasts of West Wales and Scotland. This was the inspiration for this composition. Harp 1 can be performed as an independent solo piece.

Fireside Dreams: Imagine sitting next to a cosy fire on a cold Winter´s day and starting to daydream. Harp 1 can be performed as an independent solo piece.

http://www.creighton-griffiths.co.uk/acatalog/monika_stadler_sm.html

17/08/2022

New Publication from Deborah Henson-Conant - “Merceditas” is the most unabashedly romantic instrumental music I have ever written and is the companion piece to “Baroque Flamenco.” Played together with “Baroque Flamenco” it creates a bridge for the audience between the sound of a classical harp that they’re used to hearing, and the extended techniques of “Baroque Flamenco.”
http://www.creighton-griffiths.co.uk/acatalog/dhc_sm.html

27/07/2022

Creighton's Collection Colouring Competition at World Harp Congress.
It was a very difficult choice but the results of our Colouring Competition are:-
1st Prize Grace C********* (8)
2nd Prize Rio G*****
3rd Prize Amelie & Arianna

Well done everyone and don't forget to come to Creighton's Collection exhibition stall at to collect your prizes. Thursday is the last day of this wonderful Congress so the exhibition is only open from 9.00am to 3.00pm.

08/07/2022

World Harp Congress Cardiff 22-28 July 2022 - Focus On Youth
The Focus on Youth platform is an integral part of the Congress, and is an opportunity for talented young harpists under the age of 22 to play in front of a panel of highly respected harpists who will give them feedback on their performance and as Specialist Publishers of Harp music we are delighted that some of the participants have chosen to perform works published by Adlias Music Publishers, part of Creighton's Collection.

08/07/2022

World Harp Congress Cardiff 22-28 July 2022
In 2008 we drove our stand 500 miles to WHC Amsterdam. In 2011 we flew our stand 4,600 miles to WHC Vancouver. In 2017 we flew our stand 6,000 miles to WHC Hong Kong. After a two year covid delay we are busy preparing our stand ready to transport it to WHC Cardiff 2022 just over 1 mile away from my base in Cathedral Road to The Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama on the other side of Cardiff's beautiful Bute Park & Pontcanna Fields!
I am really looking forward to welcoming you all to my home town so please do come and visit Creighton's Collection stand in the Main Exhibition Hall in just a couple of weeks time.

27/05/2022

New Harp Sheet Music Publication
The Clarsach Society Folios
Folio 29 Songs of Love and Longing
arranged by Isobel Mieras
https://www.creighton-griffiths.co.uk/acatalog/clarsach_folios.html
Mixed Ability Level Lever Harp & Voice
Songs in the book:
A Highland Lad
Bonny At Morn (Northumbrian)
Joy To The Person Of My Love
The Floo’ers O’ The Forest
The Peat Fire Flame
The Rowan Tree
The Spinning Wheel
The Banks Of Allan Water

20/04/2022

New Harp Sheet Music Publication
Mr Pepys' Pavan & Mr Pepys' Pleasure
For - Intermediate Harp Duos by Stephen Dunstone.
in short and extended versions
Supplied as score & two parts: Harp 1 & Harp 2

https://www.creighton-griffiths.co.uk/acatalog/Two-Harp-Ensemble.html

Short Versions (from contents page of score)

The very first Mr Pepys’ Pavan was a simple ensemble for some of my pupils to play as incidental music for a school production about Samuel Pepys.

I then made a solo version of it, which appears in Harpo Four. Because I always enjoy playing along with my pupils wherever possible, I wrote an accompaniment - and because a lot of my pupils like playing accompaniments that follow harmonic patterns and are easily memorable, the duet became a regular performance piece for pairs of pupils. This is the one that I’ve referred to as the “short version” in this book.

I was very drawn to the soundworld of this music, so I wrote another piece that conjured up the same kind of atmosphere, though slightly livelier. It seemed appropriate to make reference to Samuel Pepys again, and when I did some more research into this 17th century diarist and all-round extraordinary man, I discovered that as well as being clever and talented, he was somewhat addicted to the pleasures of life. Mr Pepys’ Pleasure seemed therefore to be the logical title for the piece. This too appears in Harpo Four as a solo. Here it is in duet form, as a counterpart to the Pavan.

The “extended versions” are longer (obviously), but are also slightly trickier, as you’ll discover. More about them on page 8. [of the score]

The word “Pavan”, incidentally, is an alternative word for “Pavane”, which was a slow and stately dance popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, the only difference being that “Pavane” is a French word and emphasises the second syllable, while “Pavan” emphasises the first syllable and sounds more English. Since Samuel Pepys was very English, I chose “Pavan”.

There’s a variety of suggestions about where the word came from in the first place, the one I like best being that it’s derived from the Latin pavo, meaning peacock, as the dance is rather like the courting movements of the bird...

Extended Versions (from page 8 of score)

In this extended version of Mr Pepys’ Pavan the first verse is identical to the whole of the short version. However it becomes more challenging in the second verse, where Harp 1 has a flowing descant and a somewhat trickier left hand part, while Harp 2 plays the music that Harp 1 had in the first verse.

The extended version of Mr Pepys’ Pleasure takes a different approach. This time there are three continuous sections, all of which make use of the same melody and harmony, but with varying time signatures, speeds and styles. They’re titled “The Encounter”, “The Galliard”, and “The Pleasure”, imagining three stages of Samuel Pepys’ pursuit of pleasure. “The Encounter” is almost identical to the entire short version on pages 4 and 5; “The Galliard” is a livelier but graceful dance in 6/4, in which the Harp 2 part takes the melody; and “The Pleasure” is a syncopated burst of energy, marked con fuoco. As with the Pavan, therefore, this piece also becomes more challenging after the first section.

A galliard was another dance very popular in the 16th and 17th centuries. In fact the pavan and galliard were often performed one after the other. What’s more, according to John Stanhope, a Gentleman of Elizabeth I’s Privy Chamber when the Queen was in her mid-fifties “The Queen is so well, I assure you, six or seven galliards in a morning, besides music and singing, is her ordinary exercise.” But in an era when offending a monarch could easily get your head chopped off, it’s quite understandable that John Stanhope would be full of glowing praise for the Queen, so the reliability of that report is open to question.

You’ll notice that I’ve marked “The Encounter” cortesemente, which means “courteously”, whereas the short version of Mr Pepys’ Pleasure (which is the same as “The Encounter”) is marked con anima. This is because the three sections of the extended version allow for a build up to the energy of “The Pleasure”, so it made sense for “The Encounter” to offer a gentler start, but I wanted the short version to have energy and spirit too; that version can therefore be played with as much anima as the players want to put into it.