Joy to the World

A Review by Joe Ross

Originally published on-line with CDBaby and Amazon.com

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 Worldhas 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.

—Joe Ross, 29 Palms, CA