Harp… It has always seemed to me that this instrument descended to us from the peaks of Olympus. It is one of those musical instruments that capture the eye, enchanting with its refinement. Just one glimpse of its shimmering strings, and you are already captivated. When the harp sounds, the world stands still. The most amazing thing about the harp is its ability to be different. At times, it is soft and tender, like velvet; at others, it is mysterious, like a dark sky full of stars. And this magic came to life in the new EP Carols of the Harp by the talented harpist Cecily Beer, created in harmonious collaboration with the London Chamber Orchestra.
Cecily Beer a world-renowned harpist, performing at the finest venues across Europe, the Middle East, Australia, Asia, French Polynesia, and the USA. Since 2014, she has been the resident harpist at The Waldorf Hotel in Covent Garden, where her melodies grace private events and orchestral halls. Her music has been featured on BBC Radio 3, BBC Radio London, and, on Christmas Eve 2023, in the program Carols by Candlelight on Classic FM.
In the new Christmas EP, under the arrangement and production of Thomas Hewitt Jones and conducted by Rupert Gough, three classic Christmas compositions – ‘Sussex Carol,’ ‘Silent Night,’ and ‘Bell Carol’ – were brought to life. Recorded at the chapel of Royal Holloway in London in September 2024, these tracks have become a gem of the season.
Photo by @cecily.harpist
The EP opens with ‘Sussex Carol.’ The harp, like a magical being, ripples across its strings, lifting the renowned melody to new heights of refinement. The curved chords draw you in, time slows, and the music glides gently along a snowy path, leaving behind a delicate trail. Gradually, the intensity builds, and the atmosphere fills with bright flashes of Christmas lights. It is in this process that true magic begins – the solo voice of the harp, full of individuality, meets the gentle response of the strings. Together, they create a space where music becomes more tangible, and its progression feels not only musical but also an emotional delight. Finally, the piece comes to its serene conclusion.
The smooth finale of ‘Sussex Carol’ flows into the next track, ‘Silent Night,’ where the familiar melody is performed with a new, tender lightness. In this slow and introspective interpretation, the harp sounds like a stream of silvery water quietly flowing over stones. The strings, supporting the harp, envelop it with warmth, creating an atmosphere of comfort and the anticipation of something wondrous.
As the composition unfolds, the calm does not fade but expands, like a gentle, reviving light. The virtuosic playing, filled with warmth, transitions into a soft emotional ascent. The tone modulates, imbued with a subtle yet confident optimism. It hints that Christmas is near, bringing with it the light of hope, warmth, and peaceful serenity illuminated by the stars of a silent night.
‘Bell Carol’ is an elegant rendition of ‘Shchedryk,’ the renowned piece composed by Ukrainian musician Mykola Leontovych in 1914. It has become an integral part of Christmas traditions worldwide, evoking feelings of joy and hope even in the most challenging times. Cecily Beer offers a new arrangement of this piece for harp and strings, highlighting the melody’s inherent beauty.
The composition begins with melodic chords that transition into bright, rapid passages reminiscent of chiming bells. The harp, with its vast range and ability to create glissandi, adds a sense of airiness, making the melody sound elegant and expressive. The rapid and vibrant passages of the strings accentuate its festive spirit. This new arrangement for harp and strings gives the familiar melody an elegant and sophisticated touch.
Photo by@cecily.harpist
In the hustle and bustle of daily life, routine consumes everything, but music, like a ray of light, offers eternity – it is a step toward the unseen, the mysterious, and the beautiful. Cecily Beer’s EP Carols of the Harp can be described with the words phenomenal quality, sonic idyll, and profound musicality. Thanks to her exceptional skill and immense talent, she rises to the level of the music she performs, fully merging with it. The harp at the center is illuminated by a beautiful halo of sound. The incomparable tones Cecily Beer draws from the instrument leave no one indifferent. This release is deserving of the highest praise and the strongest recommendation.
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