[Harp-L] Trios & Ensembles at Asia Pacific Harmonica Festival

[Tomcat Colvin <bluesasia@xxxxxxxxx>]

i wanted to make a special focus in a separate post about the trios and
ensembles at the Asia Pacific Harmonica Festival.  It deserves special
attention.

I spent a good bit of time monitoring competition in the Trio and Ensemble
[4-9 people] categories.  I was struck by the beauty and subtle nuances of
the songs and arrangements the groups performed.  At the 1st Asia Pacific
Harmonica Festival, as I recall, groups mostly performed the repertoire
already well-known among European players.
Not this time.  Among the 14 Junior Trios, only two did songs familiar in
the West, and both were rearranged by Asian musicians.  In the Junior and
Youth ensembles, the majority performed compositions by Asian composers.
Only in the adult Open trio and ensemble categories were there many familiar
"classics" by western composers.   I wonder if western harmonica groups will
begin picking up some of these Asian compositions.  I can tell you that they
are truly remarkable, apparently written expressly for harmonica groups and
making the most of the instrument's characteristics.  For me, these Asian
compositions were the highlight of the entire Festival.

I wonder if anyone on this list knows where to find sheet music for these
Asian compositions?  And recordings -- is there a good internet source for
harmonica music in Asia?

Tom Colvin

www.bluesasianetwork.com
www.lampanoalley.com