The Nightingale:
 
 In this story from H. C. Andersen, a Chinese emperor and his court are so impressed by the fake song of a mechanical bird that their contact with the living nightingale is broken. As the old emperor is dying at the end of the tale, the real bird returns to sing for him, charming Death into sparing the man’s life.  
 
Set for narrator, flute (& piccolo), and pedal or lever harp, with a variety of light percussion played by the instrumentalists. The harpist may also be the narrator.
 
The lever harp part (34 string) requires advanced lever skills.
 
Best for 3rd grade and up. Running time: 35 minutes