Description
Ili, Ili Tulog Anay (Hush, Sleep for Now), a Filipino lullaby in E minor (1 Sharp), is an intermediate level arrangement for lever or pedal harp in triple meter. The song has a unitary form, that is only one melodic section. It is in a minor mode and utilizes a slow, resting heart rate tempo. Traditional Philippine musical instruments include bamboo flutes, zithers, lutes, drums, gongs and xylophones. This arrangement utilizes special harp techniques to imitate the sound of some of these instruments. Sons Xylo is a technique where the fingers of the left hand are placed against the base of selected harp strings just where the string emerges from the sound board while the right hand plucks the strings. This creates a xylophone like sound. Harmonics create a pure flute-like tone and arpeggiated patterns create the sound of a gentle breeze in the trees. The section marked Pincé les 2 mains utilizes a technique where the harp string is “pinched and pulled” between the index finger and thumb. Both the left and the right hands use this technique in the passage creating a chime like effect.
Traditional Philippine music reflects the country’s diverse culture and history. Though a Southeast Asian country, its musical heritage has been influenced by the Spanish who arrived over 500 years ago. The first Filipino people encountered by the Ferdinand Megellan expedition in 1521 were the Visayans from the island of Sulvan. Dominant historical cultural strains include Hispanic, Han Chinese, Indian, Islamic, Christian and American influences. The song is sung in Hiligaynon, a dialect of the Visayan language. “Ili, Ili” is term of endearment, “my dear, my dear.” The song reflects the family values of the culture. It is traditionally sung by an older sister or female relative to help a child fall asleep while the mother is away.
Cover art is a watercolor painting by Kathleen Blackwell-Plank of the Yucca plant which is native to the Philippines. This 8-page publication contains 4 pages of music. The arrangement is 5 minutes in length.
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