The Sounds of September: 10 Harp Pieces for the Changing Season
September is a month of gentle change. The warmth of summer still lingers, but the mornings are cooler, the light is softer, and the first leaves are beginning to turn. It is a season filled with golden fields, quiet reflection, and a touch of nostalgia.
These ten harp pieces capture different sounds and colours of September—from the final days of summer to the arrival of the autumn equinox. Some are peaceful and meditative, while others celebrate the movement, beauty, and memories that come with a changing season.
1. Late Summer Lullaby
Late Summer Lullaby is a soothing piece for those warm September afternoons when summer does not seem quite ready to leave. Its gentle mood makes it a lovely beginning to this seasonal collection and a peaceful choice for quiet playing.
2. Changing Seasons
Changing Seasons was inspired by the transition from summer into autumn. Its flowing patterns and warm harmonies reflect the gradual changes we notice in September—the shifting light, cooler air, and first signs of colour in the trees.
If you would like some guidance as you learn this early-intermediate piece, you can study it with me in the Changing Seasons video course. We work through the music step by step, helping you develop comfort and confidence as the piece comes together.
3. Try to Remember
Few songs are more closely connected with September than Try to Remember from The Fantasticks. Its familiar melody and nostalgic character invite us to pause and remember the warmth, colour, and tenderness of seasons past.
This elementary arrangement can be played on a small harp with 26 or more strings. You can also learn Try to Remember with me in the video course, where I guide you through the arrangement one section at a time.
4. Morning Mist
Cooler mornings are one of the first signs that autumn is approaching. Morning Mist was inspired by mist resting quietly over a lake, creating a calm and slightly mysterious atmosphere for mid-intermediate harpists.
5. Sunlight Through the Trees
September sunlight has a special golden quality as it filters through branches and changing leaves. Sunlight Through the Trees captures that quiet glow in a reflective piece for mid-intermediate harpists. The arrangement is available in versions for both large and small harps.
6. Flight of the Heron
A heron rising over still water is a beautiful sight at any time of year, but it feels especially suited to September. Flight of the Heron brings movement to this collection while retaining a peaceful, spacious quality. Written at the elementary level, it can be played on a harp with 26 or more strings.
You can learn Flight of the Heron with me in the video course. The lessons offer step-by-step support as you develop the patterns, coordination, and musical flow of the piece.
7. Gratitude
September 21 is World Gratitude Day, making this a fitting time to play Gratitude. Its gentle Mixolydian character offers a quiet musical space to reflect on the people, experiences, and simple gifts that enrich our lives. Versions are available for both large and small harps.
8. Equal Night
Equal Night was inspired by the autumn equinox, when daylight and darkness come into balance. The music has a contemplative quality that reflects this seasonal turning point and the quieter days that lie ahead.
This late-intermediate piece offers a rewarding musical challenge. In the Equal Night video course, you can learn with me at your own pace as we explore the notes, patterns, technique, and expression within the music.
9. Harvest Moon
The harvest moon has long been one of the defining images of early autumn. Harvest Moon evokes moonlight over open fields and the richness of the season. This original is written for late-intermediate harpists who enjoy expressive music with a strong sense of atmosphere.
10. Moments in Time
September often carries a feeling of looking back as one season gives way to another. Moments in Time brings this collection to a thoughtful close with music shaped by memory and nostalgia. It is an early-intermediate piece for large harp.
Whether September feels like an ending or a fresh beginning, music can help us notice its quiet beauty. I hope these pieces bring the colours and atmosphere of the season to your harp—and perhaps inspire a little more time to pause, listen, and enjoy the changes unfolding around you.
Discover more in your music,
Anne
