Description
The Lilting Carp by Ekhart Topp is an extensive collection of 30 original compositions that are strongly influenced by Irish musical tradition. In this collection, Topp masterfully combines traditional Irish elements with modern influences, creating pieces that are suitable for both soloists and groups.
The notations include not only classical notation, but also tablatures for four-string instruments in GDAE tuning, which makes the collection particularly versatile. With the included chord suggestions, the book offers a solid basis for individual accompaniments that expand the musicians’ creative scope.
- 30 original pieces: Compositions deeply rooted in the Irish musical tradition
- Versatile notation: Classical notation and tablatures for GDAE tunable string instruments
- Chord suggestions: Flexibility for individual accompaniments and creative interpretations
The compositions are designed to appeal to musicians of different levels – from beginners to advanced players. The pieces are melodically and rhythmically varied, which makes the repertoire particularly exciting. Whether you’re playing alone or making music with others, this collection allows you to immerse yourself in the rich tradition of Irish music while adding your own touch. It’s not just about playing traditional tunes, but also reinterpreting them and using them in modern contexts.
Ekhart Topp, an experienced musician and author, has been active in the folk music scene for many years and expresses his passion for Irish music with this collection. In addition to his expertise in the field of traditional music, Topp is known for his innovative and creative approaches, which he also incorporates into The Lilting Carp. The collection is therefore not only a musical work, but also a source of inspiration for anyone who wants to gain deeper insights into the Irish music scene.
Whether you are looking for new pieces for your band, want to expand your repertoire of Irish music or are simply looking for a creative challenge, The Lilting Carp is an essential work that will provide you with many hours of enjoyable playing and discovery.
Foreword
This booklet contains a small selection of instrumental pieces written in recent years and taken from a pool of 500 original compositions. In their form and structure, the pieces are based on Irish tunes in both traditional and modern forms.
Sometimes, however, they break this form a little. The sifting and selection of the pieces took a lot of time and thankfully I had the active support of the renowned Irish musician and good friend Donna Harkin from Donegal, who is deeply rooted in traditional Irish music culture, and the Irish-English musician Bernadette Topp, who fortunately is also my wife. My special thanks go to these two people, whose advice and comprehensive support have contributed significantly to the success of the project. My heartfelt thanks also go to the Hessian Cultural Foundation, which made this project possible in the first place. I hope you enjoy the tunes a little.
All tunes are presented in notation and tablature for 4-string instruments in GDAE tuning. I have also added a few chord suggestions.
My collection is suitable for all instruments (e.g. fiddle, banjo, mandolin, flute, tin whistle, accordion, concertina, etc.).
Have fun discovering
Your Ekki
Ekhart Topp
Bobenhausen, August 2024
A note from Donna
I met Ekhart many years ago at a session in the hills of Donegal and we hit it off straight away. Since then we have made music together and shared many great experiences, from casual sessions to playing together in a band. Ekhart has a deep connection to traditional Irish music and brings a soulful understanding of the music he plays. Music is clearly his passion, and he has a lifelong relationship with it, so it was no surprise to discover that he has composed hundreds of tunes – the only challenge was deciding which ones to include in this first release of original pieces!
It was an honor to meet and work with Ekhart, and it was also great fun. I have no doubt that you will get pleasure and satisfaction from these pieces, simply because they taste like Ekhart!
Donna Harkin
February 2022
Text on the back of the book
In “The Lilting Carp”, Ekhart Topp guides us through a collection of 30 hand-picked pieces selected from 500 original compositions.
Based on the style of Irish tunes in both traditional and modern forms, the pieces are presented in sheet music for all instruments and also as tablature for 4-string instruments in GDAE tuning. Chord suggestions for accompaniment round off the whole thing. Thanks to the careful selection and support of Irish musician Donna Harkin, this collection is a unique exploration of the Irish musical tradition.
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