The pristine tones and lilting melodies of the Celtic harp are immediately inviting. Celtic Harpestry, a companion to a PBS performance special, explores a sound both traditional and modern in a tasteful and evocative collection. But the bard would be thrilled to hear the 12-piece BHO playing the traditional "Brian Boru's Set" or one of founder Janet Harbison's zephyrlike originals. Her "Earth, Water, Wind and Fire" elicits shifting textures and colors that belie their traditional roots. The song also exemplifies the ethereal side of the Celtic harp explored on Celtic Harpestry with artists like Rüdiger Oppermann. Playing a wire-strung harp accompanied by bass and keyboards, the German harpist soars through crystalline melodies whether he's playing traditional tunes or originals. The most traditional sound actually comes from the American players. Cheryl Ann Fulton gives a straight-up rendition of "Breton Medley," and jazz harpist Deborah Henson-Conant is refreshingly restrained, faithfully rendering "Londonderry Aire (Danny Boy)" and "The Minstrel Boy." Although Celtic Harpestry focuses on slow airs, there are robust performances here, including those by Máire Ni Chathasaigh's group and the harp and vocal duo of Sileas.
Track Listing
1. Bright New Morning
2. The Humours of Ballyloughlin
3. The Golden String Hornpipe
4. A Walk On Belfast
5. Star Of The County Down
6. The Old Woman's Dance
7. My Heart Will Go On (Love Theme From The Titanic)
8. The Chestnut Tree Melody
9. The Butterfly
10. Londonderry Aire (Danny Boy)
11. Seallaibh Curaidh Eoghain
12. Breton Medly
13. Brian Boru's Set
14. Robery Jordan
15. The Minstrel Boy
16. May Song
17. Earth, Water, Wind, and Fire
