Reviews ...seemingly |
"Beautifully expressive and meditative moments" Two-time U.S. National Scottish Harp Champion Cynthia Cathcart’s second album features traditional Christmas carols, but one discovers that her soothing music is the type of unpretentious watermark that would be a fitting background at any time of the year. Following her well-received debut album “Alchemy of a Rose,” Cathcart’s “Joy to the World” has an alluring emotional depth with sweetly wistful holiday remembrances and auspicious blends of Celtic, new age, and spiritual sensibilities. Plucked with the fingernails, Cynthia’s wire-strung Clarsach harps (known as “The Rose” and “The Kilcoy”) have defining, bell-like voices that reward us with beautifully expressive and meditative moments. The Clarsach’s history can be traced back as far The Picts, and the instrument’s euphonious tones convey archaic images of romanticism from centuries before. Thus, I especially enjoyed her offerings of French carols (e.g. Friendly Beasts, Sleep of the Infant Jesus) dating back to the 13th Century, but it was also a pleasure to hear her self-penned contemporary composition, “The Changes.” Cathcart’s inspiring harp music is performed solo, a stripped-down approach that lends immediacy and accessibility. Also built by Ardival Harps of Scotland, “The Dupplin” is a gut-strung harp that provides mellower radiance on two tracks, “What Child Is This?” and “Angels We Have Heard On High.” Using both wire- and gut-strung harps on “Silent Night,” we are treated to enchanting dynamics in an arrangement that beams with je ne sais quoi. All Cynthia’s arrangements may be found in the book entitled “Carols of Christmas Arranged for the Clarsach,” published by Highland Circle Music. While reverently assuming a devout tone that never forgets the meaning of Christmas, Cynthia Cathcart also breathes a joyful spirit into the more lively favorites of the season.
Review by Joe Ross, Twentynine Palms, CA
From the beautiful jewel colors of the harp in stained glass on the CD cover to the treasury of music inside, this new Christmas CD is one that you will enjoy for many holiday seasons to come. The CD features two wire-strung harps (The Rose and the Kilcoy) and a medieval Scottish gut-strung harp (the Dupplin), all made by Ardival Harps of Strathpeffer, Scotland. Each of the pieces are arranged by Cynthia with her usual attention to detail and authenticity. Cynthia brings together a collection of beloved carols and lends them her own eloquent style of arranging and performance. The magical vibrancy of the wire strings spins a dramatic web of sound, making these old favorites new to your ears again. “Silent Night” serves as a reminder of how poignant and beautiful a single-note melody can be. Selections on this CD include “O Holy Night,” “Adeste Fideles,” “The Wexford Carol,” “Coventry Carol” and many others. This collection of holiday music just may be the one that stays in your CD player throughout the holiday season. Folk Harp Journal, Winter 2009
Dr. Judy Dodge, Director of Music:
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