Clarsach na Banrighe

CD by Simon Chadwick

Price £13 + £1.50 p+p from http://www.earlygaelicharp.info/CnaB/

Review by Bryn Colvin

Using a replica of the harp of Mary, Queen of Scots, Simon Chadwick has recorded a selection of historical Scottish music. The CD includes arrangements of vocal medieval church music, instrumental church music,17th and 18th century clarisach music, and some more folky tunes. There's a tremendous array of material here, much of it totally unfamiliar to me (not that I'd claim to be any expert though!).Simon's arrangements are sensitive, and beautifully performed. The simplicity is a pleasure – no excess of accompaniment, no synth sounds,just pure, tinkling music.
The vast majority of the CD is purely instrumental, but there is a little bit of singing. It's a very mellow album. While it would be a fabulous accompaniment for meditation, this isn't wallpaper music (if you used it that way, it would be the musical equivalent of William Morris wallpaper!)There's a richness and complexity to the music that you never get in swooshy, insubstantial new agey stuff. Simon's work is fey and ephemeral, and very lovely. The album does reward a close listen. If harp music is your thing, this is a must have. More info: www.earlygaelicharp.info