Welcome to Simply the Harp, the publisher of harp arrangements by Angi Bemiss. Please visit often, as new publications are added throughout the year.
BIG NEWS for 2008: There's a new book, The Music of Friends - Contemplative Selections from Favorite Harpist-Composers. It includes 24 beautiful songs from harp "buddies": Rhett Barnwell, Kathryn Cater, Janice Glover, RoJean Loucks, Lisa Lynne, William Mahan, Kathy Bundock Moore, Mona Peck, Susan Raimond, Joyce Rice, Kim Robertson, Meg Robinson, Barbara Semmann, Diana Stork, Harper Tasche, and Frank Voltz. These songs will be enjoyed by harpists and their listeners, in virtually any setting. The book is available either in the key/tuning of C or Eb.
With the addition of this book, our collection includes 80+ sheet music arrangements and five books. Every piece is published in both the key/tuning of C & the key/tuning of Eb. The sheet music includes both keys (front & back), and the books are available in either C or Eb. Click here for a complete list of all Simply the Harp publications.
Why Simply the Harp? It's about clarity and the lovely sound of the harp itself. The arrangements are at an intermediate level, with a focus on the melody line and beautiful harmony. Frequent comments are, "Your arrangements fall so nicely on the harp," or "I always enjoy playing your arrangements, and they are easier than they sound." In describing my intent, I am reminded of something that Frank Lloyd Wright wrote: "To know what to leave out and what to put in; just where and just how, ah, that is to have been educated in the knowledge of simplicity." I enjoy hearing impressive, sophisticated harp performances, but I love the pure beauty of a harp played simply but well.
I am frequently asked, "Why C and Eb?" Generally, lever harps are tuned in either the key of C or Eb. In order to play in another key (G, for example), you flip levers in each octave. This works well, but 1) it requires making lever flips between songs, and 2) it changes the sound of the strings just a bit. By having the songs in one key, you can transition smoothly from one song to another (& you don't have to worry about flipping the wrong lever!), and it retains the sound clarity of open strings.
If you would like to have a song in a different key, such as to accompany a soloist, please contact me. I can easily transpose my publications into any key and send you the music. | 
