A Baroque Harp:  Exquisite!
580841
Every selection is so very beautiful.  I sometimes play it for my elementary children when they are engaged in quiet writing.  It helps create a very healing, calming, harmonizing atmosphere for them. They also love it.
2224868
One of the most beautiful harp CD's of all time. I once received this particular CD as a gift,unfortunately I put it in a safe place and have not been able to locate yet! I was so happy to find this Harp CD again. I did not hesitate to purchase it (even Used).
After carefully reviewing the options I could not have located a better seller. This seller had very good reviews and was honest,there was not a single scratch on this CD and not at all resurfaced. It truly was like new condition. Thank You
1455585
Another great production of the Baltimore Consort, consisting of such famous musicians as Mary Anne Ballard (treble and bass viols); Mark Cudek (cittern, bass viol); Custer LaRue (soprano); Larry Lipkis (bass viol, soprano recorder); Ronn McFarlane (lute); Chris Norman (Renaissance flutes), and William Simms as guest artist (bandora).
In particular two pieces impressed me especially and it was worth to me to buy this CD by them alone and to give a strong 5 star rating:
1) "Yonder Comes A Courteous Knight": It is breathtaking how wonderful and sensitive soprano Custer LaRue performs this ballad. This lady has the perfect voice. It is the highest delight to enjoy each second of its 6 minutes duration. In a historically very credible way it transports you back to Elizabethan England of the end of the 16th century. A time which created a noble, romantic and frank music, determined by timeless beauty and often also pure melancholy.
2) "Robin Is To The Greenwood Gone": An outstandingly beautiful and moving ballad melody, in its time equally well-known and popular as "Greensleeves", but often ignored by today's interpreters. It is a melody which incorporates timeless beauty and also bittersweet melancholy to the highest degree. The Baltimore Consort performed it in a most perfect way, impossible to be improved in any respect. A true jewel piece!
A note on the often melancholic music of the Renaissance era: Melancholy and sadness was understood as a very aesthetic way of approaching life, and was in no way negatively attributed as it is today. I you like the romantic and melancholic music of Elizabethan's England, you will feel especially impressed by these two pieces which will deeply touch your heart and soul each time you hear them.
But there are also many funny and danceable pieces on this CD, as "The Ladyes Delight/Jumpe At My Cozen".
Thank you Baltimore Consort for performing this great CD! I consider it as a strong buy.
I am sure, Queen Elizabeth I. would be delighted.
62868
I had a chance to see this marvelous group live at a concert I covered for my college paper. I was immediately taken with their unique sound, for they not only present baroque music expertly, but more like it would have sounded at the time of its creation than most of it we hear today from other musicians and ensembles. They evinced a true joy in their music making, and nowhere was that more evident that night than during the selections they performed from this CD. Something about the lilting sounds of Scottish and Irish music brings out the fun personality of this multi-sided group. I also was able to meet and interview the foursome afterwards and found them not only to be wonderful musicians, but pleasant and accomodating individuals. They even gave me a copy of this CD and autographed it. Recommended highly.
3504124
Afanasieva is the kind of performer that leaves you scratching your head thinking, "Why haven't I heard of her before?"  A beautiful woman with a great figure, the  face of a cosmetics model, and she plays like THIS, with passion, style and excellence.  This one is not just a delight, it is truly, completely engaging.  Spanish and latin music works played with precision, verve, exquisite phrasing... each one is a virtuoso showpiece.  (This is a great "crossover" CD... many folks may not realize at first that this is the harp and not the guitar.)  Her previous release showcased the traditional flowing, impressionistic, watery pieces that are expected from the harp, and this one provides total contrast.  A few might quibble that some of the transcriptions move the melody into the upper register and make it "thinner" sounding, but that has to do with individual arrangemnets.  This CD is not only musically polished, it is the presentation of a smart, savvy performer.  Excellent and exciting!
953292
I'm so delided an amazed at the versatility of the hohner soft case! It not only good looking ,but it is comfortable in my pocket. I also found out that all my harps fit in them. I will be buying more for my other harps. I m not saying I don't like the hard plastic cases,they are good and durable, but they are not comfortable to carry in shot pocket like the soft case is. I will realty myself ,I'm going to buy a few more cases for my other harps! Great Job Hohner!
599928
Excellent performance! Boieldieu's concerto for harp in C major is the masterpiece of the CD. Certainly, Valerie Milot is probably the best young harpist in the world today! Congratulations!
2338956
This is an absolutely beautiful disc, one of the finest programmes of early music I have ever heard. It depicts the great adventure undertaken by a group of Italian composers in the transition from renaissance to baroque, introducing accompanied monody to express the human passions - a development which was soon to reach such glorious maturity in the music of Monteverdi.

The opening brings us one of those haunting melodies that subsequently re-appeared in numerous other compositions - the Aria di Fiorenza, otherwise known as Ballo del Gran Ducca, whose origin was Cavalieri's concluding choral dance in the Florentine Intermedii (sometimes called La Pellegrina) of 1589. It is played quite beautifully here by the musicians of Le Pome Harmonique. This is followed by a variety of vocal and instrumental pieces by Belli, Buonamente and Lorenzo Allegri.

The vocal items, ranging in mood through love, loneliness, misery and joy, are marvellously sung by Guillemette Laurens; contrary to comments I saw from one cloth-eared British magazine critic (not Gramophone), I think she is wonderful not only in voice but in expression and musicianship, and her talents suit this music perfectly. The period instruments all sound marvellous too, and Alpha's recorded sound is ideal.

Altogether this is a simply glorious programme of early baroque music, beautifully arranged and performed and superbly directed by Vincent Dumestre. In short, if you have the slightest interest in early music, don't hesitate!
1774864
<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Nancy-Allen-Plays-Ravel-Debussy/dp/B0009YA43K/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Nancy Allen Plays Ravel & Debussy</a>&nbsp;This young woman has the harp (a difficult instrument to play) literally at her fingertips. And those fingers are gentle, nimble and decisive all at the same time. Outstanding musicianship. I've lent this CD to several friends and their comments are all in praise of her tremendous talent and the elegance of her "touch". Even if you believe you don't care for harp music, this one will enchant.
3832639
Five BAROQUE Stars! Grammy-nominated cello virtuoso Sol Gabetta has ascended to the front rank of cellists in the classical music world with awards, high profile appearances around the globe, and record sales. This recording presents the 3rd installment of her impressive "<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Il-Progetto-Vivaldi/dp/B000UTOVGA/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Il Progetto Vivaldi</a>" (The Vivaldi Project) and the followup&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Il-Progetto-Vivaldi-2/dp/B005BK95XC/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Il Progetto Vivaldi 2</a>&nbsp;in the series, from the treasure trove of the works of Antonio Vivaldi, much of which has been discovered in recent decades in various places in Europe. With her brother, violinist Andr&eacute;s Gabetta who is also concertmaster here, and their Baroque ensemble "Capella Gabetta", they present more works of 'the Red Priest'. For the first time in this series, she includes excellent compositions by three Vivaldi contemporaries from the Baroque era: composer & kapellmeister Fortunato Chelleri, composer and oboist Giovanni Benedetto Platti, and composer violinist Andrea Zani whose compositions were commissioned by the Duke of Schloss Wiesentheid and they were recently discovered in the Duke's Bavarian castle. As with the initial Vivaldi Project recording, Sol Gabetta re-strings her 1759 Guadagnini cello with gut strings tuned to the Baroque range and brings her 1781 Gagliano cello into the mix as well. Instead of putting the other composers at the end of Vivaldi's work, she alternates Vivaldi's work with each of the other composers and puts the world premier of Chelleri's concerto at the end of this recording. The recording has a nice flow of different Baroque musical approaches by these 4 composers, amid dynamic aural levels of beauty and intensity throughout.

All selections are excellent and some highlights from this 24 track recording, begin with excellent performances of both swirling Allegro movements, framing a lovely Largo, from Vivaldi's familiar Concerto for Violoncello and Orchestra in A Minor, RV 422. Then there is the gentle and lovely 'all pizzicato' exposition by the Gabetta siblings of the Andante movement and the breathtaking violin/cello passages between the Gabettas on the Allegro movement of the Concerto for Two Mandolins in G Major RV 532, adapted for violin and cello. The virtuosic "Adagio e staccato-Allegro" movement of Platti's Concerto for Violoncello and Orchestra in C Minor, WD 669 is a marvelous performance. As is, Vivaldi's Allegro Vivace movement from the D Major concerto, RV 404. And the icing on the cake of this "The Vivaldi Project" installment is the world premier of Chelleri's Concerto for Violoncello and Orchestra in G Major: the highlight of which is the lovely, pastoral, minuet-like intro theme of the Adagio Staccato-tempo gusto movement and its surging uptempo mode, and the echoing spiccato figurations between Gabetta and the orchestra. This is Sol Gabetta's 11th recording in 8 years since her career took flight after winning the Echo Award, (which includes the recent "<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Duo/dp/B008YMHORI/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Duo</a>" recording with pianist H&eacute;l&egrave;ne Grimaud) and it gets my Highest Recommendation. Five ENJOYABLE Stars (24 tracks with digital booklet; Time-73 minutes)
4866546
This recording is really, really well done! The ensemble consists of harp, 2 violins, french horn, contra bass and occasional glockenspiel (used with an amazing effect on the song "Sounds of silence".) The harp re-captures Paul's guitar, sometimes note for note (and in the case of "Bridge Over Troubled Waters" that glorious gospel-like piano intro and accompaniment). The arrangements are superb, tasteful, creative, sometimes lush, such as in "Old Friends" where the harp and strings and horn re-captures the original orchestration. Sometimes other S&G songs are quoted, such as the weaving in of "The Boxer" within the opening piece, "The Dangling conversation." I was surprised by the inclusion of "Peggy-O" and "Benidictus," which are not exactly Simon and Garfunkel originals (they appeared on their earliest album "Wednesday Morning 3 AM") but musically they somehow work and blend nicely with the overall recording. But the real surprise was "Mrs. Robinson" an amazing arrangement with much of the funk of the original. They really did an excellent job. Highly recommended.
3643919
Niklas Eklund demonstrates the superiority of the baroque trumpet in this medium with this incredible recording of some of the most difficult and favorite baroque trumpet literature.  He is without a doubt one of the  finest virtuoso artists of our time.  His playing and interpretations are  wonderful, and the beauty of his sound and authentic baroque concepts  present a fresh and welcome addition to the trumpet repetoire.  Bravo to  Eklund for a recording of unprecedented quality and ability.  It is sure to  become the new standard of baroque trumpet playing.
1298111
Up until the later days of the pianoforte, keyboard instruments did not have the power of the modern piano, so recordings of older pieces with the piano can get a little bit off balance. The choice of the harp for the keyboard part in these pieces is superb.

As is to be expected, St. John's rendition of Bach is nicely done. And Langlamet's harp is lively and strong, rather than tinkly and precious. If you have an hour to seek a bit of inner peace and quiet joy, kicking back and listening to this on your iPod is time well spent.
3930301
Martin Gester's recording of Handel's Op. 6 set struck me with its shear beauty of both the performance and recording. I listened to it in 5.0 multi-channel SACD sound. The instruments envelop you with gorgeous detailed sound from the front speakers and beautiful reverberation from all around. It sounds like it was recorded in a fine medium size church and it retains great detail as well as beautiful reverberation of the recording venue which is actually The Radio Hall in Wroclaw, Poland. Most other recordings only require 2 discs but this one requires 3 discs because most of the repeats are taken and the tempos are more relaxed. But just because this is a more relaxed interpretation does not mean it boring, in fact just the opposite is true. This is the most beautifully subtle interpretation with great detail revealed by a more expansive melodic line and a lingering over pauses that allow the gorgeous sonorities of Arte dei Suonatori to be savored within the beautiful acoustics. Martin Gester shaping of the melodic lines is what makes this performance stand out among all others. Also, the continuo is extemporized with tenderness and inventiveness with a spontaneous feel. But don't get me wrong, there is no lack of vivaciousness in the fast movements where it is called for. The string sound has great articulation and detail with that beautiful "white" sound that original gut strings are famous for. There are far too many details of syncopations and phrasing to be mentioned here. I urge you to discover them yourself. You'll want to savor every note. This is what a great SACD is all about! It's like a Godiva box of chocolates, each one is different and once you start eating them, you won't be able to stop!
2471069
This recording is, in my opinion, one of the most impressive performances of Renaissance choral music ever. The Voices of Ascension, directed by Dennis Keene, give performances of great beauty, with perfect blend and  expressivity. Every single number is a musical delight. The selection of  the program is a real asset. The listener has an overview of some of the  most famous motets by such masters as Palestrina, Victoria, Lassus, Desprez  and others. There is room for all kind of religious mood: from the solemn,  meditative tone of Byrd's Ave Verum Corpus and Victoria's Jesu, Dulcis  Memoria to the exultant, festive tone of Sweelinck's Hodie Christus Natus  Est. Keene makes some interesting changes in tempo. In O Magnum Mysterium,  one of the most famous motets of Toms Luis de Victoria, the final Alleluia  part is faster than the way it is normally done. The effect is haunting: a  festive chorus of praise after a solemn meditation on the Incarnation of  Christ. These interpretations are not only excellent in an musical way. The  singers and director convey the mystical and devotional aspects of these  jewels of the choral repertoire.
1162782
No one has reviewed this instrument when I arrived at this page, so I thought I would because Harpsicles are worth talking about! They are absolutely amazing instruments for their ranges and price. And they are just so fun with all their great colors! Made with love, care, and pride in the USA, these harp give real people a chance to own an amazing instrument in ways they can afford. [If you have ever shopped for performance / concert level harps with their $$$$$ price tags, you will know what I am talking about!]  I own a Harpsicle Harp (although its a green one rather than the Maple One advertised on this page), and I also own a Sharpsicle, which is the next harp up from this model. (People who are interested in Celtic music and more advanced music should investigate the lever harps, which allow them to explore those levels of music.) I love my regular Harpsicle when I am just plucking the strings for my personal amusement, for the family, for my classes, or for relaxation.

The Harpsicle is the basic model, and it cannot be upgraded to the next level. However, for some people, this basic Harp is all that they need or want. The Harpsicle Company has a website where it offer a nice collection of music books and resources specifically designed for this instrument line. On the Harpsicle website, visitors can also hear how the instrument sounds by clicking the "Listen" link. A variety of other accessories like straps, stands, and cases are available too! The company also offers an excellent teaching DVD that can help beginners get started with their own Harpsicles. The DVD can be found with their new beginner's book published by Mel Bay: "Harpsicle Harp Method Book 1." You should be able to purchase this book on Amazon as well. [Harp beginners will find this information and visual data useful! So, if you are buying an instrument, buy the Harpsicle Harp Method Book 1 too.]

Google Harpsicle and lessons (or online lessons); you'll find teachers and music therapists like those at Harp Spirit and Rainbow of Sound using the Harpsicles with great responses and success. Hey, did you know that you can take harp lessons over the internet via Skype?? :D

This regular  Harpsicle  is definitely a great beginner's harp for children AND for adults. It makes a cool portable harp; it's worth buying if this is a first harp purchase. This quality instrument has a warm, lovely sound that pleases, and you can feel the music as you play. The strings are soft, and they do not hurt your hand. It's quite easy to tune if you have an electronic tuner, or those more musically inclined can probably use a piano. [To reduce the tension on the strings during travel, the new harp comes untuned. However, it does come with a tuning tool and instructions. Electronic tuner is sold separately, but it is worth the purchase so that it can arrive when or before the harp arrives. Harpsicle recommends that when you first receive your new harp to tune it every day because this helps to stabilize the new sound board.] Additionally, it smells nice! LOL (But then I love the smell of woods.)

Please don't even bother with those cheap harps made from other countries. They make look pretty and reasonable, but they are disappointing. If you want to truly play the harp, if it is your first time buying a "real" harp, go for the Harpsicle (..or if you are most advanced musically, the Sharpsicle, Flatsicle, or Fullsicle!  Sure, that Harpsicle lines are  a bit more expensive than those Mid-East products, but the Harpsicles and their advanced models excel in sound, workmanship, dependability, quality, customer support from Rees, and maintenance.
2878732
A great album of really nice harp music. It is pretty yet calming. Just what I was looking for!