About the Composition I wrote this when I was very angry at the world. Someday I might meet a black hound on a dark night… and we’ll both go hunting together. Black Dogs, Black Hounds, The Hounds of Hell, Dogs of Hell, Gabriel Hounds, Yell Hounds, Barghest, Black Dog of the Hanging Hills, Gurt Dog or the Hounds of Herne the Hunter… by whatever name, they are a common feature in the folklore of the British Isles. The Black Hounds of Cŵn Annwn are the spectral hounds of Annwn, the otherworld of Welsh myth. Early Christians came to dub these mythical creatures as "The Hounds of Hell" or "Dogs of Hell" and erroneously theorized they were therefore owned by Satan. However, the Annwn of medieval Welsh tradition is an otherworldly paradise and not a hell or abode of dead souls. The Black Hounds are a nocturnal apparition, and their appearance was regarded as a portent of death. They are supposed to hunt on specific nights in the autumn and winter when it is believed that "the howling of these huge dogs foretold death to anyone who heard them". I would suggest something in the neighborhood of  =128-134. Fingering suggestions are just that. Suggestions. They are minimal but some might find them helpful so please use them if you like. There are many passages that require hands to cross staves so do what is comfortable and natural for your hands! I try to use fingerings that fit the phrasing of the music and I find that gravity has a way of allowing weight to help us be more expressive. * About the Album Gypsy Road I love dogs. My heart breaks to hear of the overflowing shelters, both “kill” and “non-kill”. Dogs deserve better treatment. I really wanted to make an album of music, drawing inspiration from “Dog stories” from around the world, as a tribute to our life-long companions. The process has deepened my love for the dogs in my life and has encouraged me to provide support for many more canine friends. A portion of the proceeds from every album will go to support our excellent local shelters and humane charities. May this album inspire you along your own Road to caring for the animals in your community. * About the Composer Laura Olson (ASCAP) is a retired California music educator with over 30 years of experience specializing in stringed instruments and orchestras. She holds a B.A. in Music Education and M.A. in Irish Traditional Music Performance (fiddle, flute, and harp). Her experience as a symphonic musician, ethnic musician, and Film/TV composer led her to combining the three aspects of music into her own compositions and arrangements; storybook music in cinematic style. She is the owner of her recording and publishing label Blue Steer Studios(ASCAP) which allows her to combine her composing skills with knowledge of both the business and publishing aspects of music industry. Winner of a Silver Ace Award from the Las Vegas Film Festival she has composed music for all types of media, including Film/TV, web and advertising, and her own personal music in audio CD and sheet music. In 2021 she took time off from composing to relocate her studio to Eastern Washington (Spokane) and is now getting started on new projects and pursuing music composition full time. Look for them soon! * Discography Mossflower Country (2010) Border Guardians of Ackernon (2011) Gypsy Road (2012) which released with proceeds going to Fresno Bully Rescue and Animal Compassion Team Moon Trees and Sun Seas (2015) A Grimm-ly Lit Forest (2018). * Purchase sheet music from: JW Pepper Sheet Music Plus Sheet Music Direct Score Exchange MusicNotes * Spotify: LauraOlsonMusic Apple Music: https://music.lnk.to/0GVvSr Facebook https://www.facebook.com/BlueSteerStudios/ Twitter https://twitter.com/BlueSteerStudio Soundcloud https://soundcloud.com/laura-olson *