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KAREN MARSHALSAY

Eadarainn a' Chruit ; Between Us the Harp

Philippe Cousin

Karen Marshalsay is from Scotland, and more specifically from Edinburgh. She is a highly acclaimed harpist, one of the few contemporary musicians to use the fingernail technique on Clarsach (Scottish harps) with gut and metal strings, as well as on the bray harp, which originates from the Scottish Lowlands; this little-known, more rhythmic instrument is better suited to ancient modal melodies and dances.

She also plays the Irish lever harp, which offers greater chromatic fluidity, particularly for more contemporary music. 'Eadarainn a’ Chruit: Between Us the Harp', Karen’s second album, showcases these three types of harp in a tribute to Gaelic musical traditions from both Scotland and Ireland. The album was released, followed by a full live recording made at the Celtic Connections festival in Glasgow. The album was unanimously acclaimed in Scotland, to the extent that The Scotsman newspaper ranked it among the five best albums of the year.

This superb album celebrates the sharing of music through the traditions of the Celtic harp, whose role in preserving tradition is well established. On this album, Karen was supported by her mentors, harpist Alison Kinnaird and piper Allan MacDonald, as well as Irish flautist and singer Cathal McConnell and violist Kathryn Nicoll.

This album, comprising sixteen tracks (10 traditional tunes and 6 of Karen’s own compositions), draws in turn on Scottish and Irish traditions, as well as on her own compositions. Skilfully switching from one harp to another, Karen performs polkas, marches and planxties. She also pays tribute to the great poet Robert Burns, playing his most famous song, ‘Ae Fond Kiss’, which Karen Matheson performed several years ago at the opening of the Scottish Parliament.
The album also features Baroque dances, bagpipe pieces and several traditional Irish tunes. A. MacDonald and C. McConnell then join Karen on vocals, the former on ‘Uamh an Òir’ and the latter on ‘The Valley of Knockanure’. It is also worth noting that the detailed liner notes provide a rich historical context for the repertoire and the various instruments used. A captivating album from start to finish.

Cramasie CRCD002 - www.karenmarshalsay.com