Joy to the World

A Review by Elizabeth Paine

Originally published in The Folk Harp Journal Winter 2008, p. 38

From the beautiful jewel colors of the harp in stained glass on the CD cover to the treasury of music inside, this new Christmas CD is one that you will enjoy for many holiday seasons to come.

This CD features two wire–strung harps (the Rose and the Kilcoy) and a medieval Scottish gut–strung harp (the Dupplin), all made by Ardival Harps of Strathpeffer, Scotland.

Each of the pieces are arranged by Cynthia with her usual attention to detail and authenticity. Cynthia brings together a collection of beloved carols and lends them her own eloquent style of arranging and performance.

The magical vibrancy of the wire strings spins a dramatic web of sound, making these olf favorites new to your ears again. Silent Night serves as a reminder of how poignant and beautiful a single–note melody can be.

Selections on the CD include O Holy Night, Adeste Fideles, The Wexford Carol, Coventry Carol and many others. This collection of holiday music just may be the one that stays in your CD player throughout the holiday season.