Originally published in Harplight
Summer 2003, p. 5
There are other extremely good books on the wire–strung harp, but Cynthia Cathcart’s new primer Pathway is so clear, well-illustrated, and comprehensive that it may well become a standard. Pathway is designed to take newcomers to the wire-strung harp and ground them in necessary techniques in a methodical way, often using primary (i.e. traditional) sources for tunes.
This is probably not a book for someone looking for instant gratification. It’s very methodical and focuses on mastering techniques in a step by step fashion. While this is important for anyone playing the harp, it's especially crucial for those playing wire–strung.
The book is arranged in lessons. Just like a lesson with a teacher in person, there is an introduction, an overview of the goal of the lesson, new techniques, musical concepts, then pertinent exercises. Each tune is preceded by a section called preparing to play
, which points out what to be looking for, and also contains background information on the tune (these are terrific reading!). After the tune, just like a teacher assigning homework, there are suggestions for things to do on your own, and a review of what’s been covered. For a motivated learner, all the tools are here to gain proficiency.
A special commendation for the drawings by Michael Glenn Stewart. In a book like this, the illustrations can either help or frustrate the reader. These are simply great, especially the harper’s-eye-view
ones.
The book is also superbly augmented by a companion CD.* Finally, I must add that although it’s intended for wire harp students, Cynthia’s scholarship and mini–essays
on topics like relaxation, interpretation, practicing, and goal setting make Pathway recommended reading for any harp player.
*With the second edition, the recording is available by download from Cynthia’s website.