Song for the Earth

Or I-MA-MAI

CD by Monika Stadlercd cover

Available from: www.harp.at, Price 18 Euros.

Review by H

I have recently been listening to this CD by Monika Stadler, a very accomplished harpist and composer.

Monika studied at Vienna’s University of Music & Performing Arts and later studied Jazz harp with acclaimed Jazz harpist Deborah Henson-Conant. She has played with the Vienna Symphony Orchestra, Vienna National Opera and has also played at the Edinburgh Harp Festival in 2003.

This CD is a mix of folk, jazz and music in a more contemporary style. If you are hoping for a CD of Muzak that you can play in the background, forget it!!. The Music on this CD will drag your attention away from what you are doing by its wonderfully emotive and lyrical style and content.

To give you a taster I will a review of some of the tracks:-

I-MA-MAI ( Song for the Earth )

This is the title track and is about a Female Indian Shaman, sitting in a holy place, singing for and to Mother Earth. This is a wonderfully evocative piece. Just light a smudge stick, close your eyes and you are there with her.

MAHO BAY

This has an Irish Folk type melody which is played with a jazz influence in parts. This may seem strange but it is very effective and sounds great.

TRAVELLING (On the Road)

This is in a more contemporary style and reminds me of Catrin Finch playing Harpers Bizzare by Karl Jenkins. It has the same energy and sense of motion.

COMING HOME

This track certainly lives up to its name. It has the feeling you get when you arrive home after a long trip, kick off your shoes and sit back with a nice long drink. AAAAHHH !!!. A very laid back and restful piece of music.

RONDO NANINGO

This was written by Deborah Henson-Conant but was arranged for solo harp by Monika.

This track sounds very good with its Latin American/ Spanish feel, very reminiscent of Rodrigo.

I hope that this review gives you a taste of the music on this CD and that I’ve done justice to it.

All in all a very enjoyable CD by a very talented Lady (She has a very good singing voice as well).

Many thanks to Wilf for bringing the music of Monika Stadler to my attention. I will be adding more of her CDs to my collection in the near future.

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