Christmastide

Description

From the artist: "After experiencing two devastating miscarriages in 2021, I subsequently felt a profound need to channel grief into something constructive. Whilst a collection of traditional Christmas carols might not seem an obvious musical choice for a personal journey through loss, I have always taken comfort in the warmth, feelings of nostalgia, and hope that festive music inspires. Arranging these carols for solo harp has been a healing experience for me as an artist, and I hope that the Christmas message shines through in each arrangement. Arranging often feels like an easier option than composing from scratch as there isn?t the pressure to formulate an original idea. However, there is always a feeling of responsibility when modifying someone else?s creation; a consideration of whether the original composer would approve of the revised version. In addition, there is the question of whether the arrangement has anything new to say, musically speaking. Taking music already written and turning it into something with a current and sympathetic voice is a challenge that I have always relished, and each of these arrangements draws on my personal musical influences. Finding inspiration in everything from the golden age of musicals and jazz through to the folk music that defines rural England, and favourite composers such as Ravel and Rachmaninov, I have utilised the harp to bring forth the warmth of a winter fire, the crisp coldness of snowfall, the excitement of Christmas morning, and the joyful proclamation of Christ?s birth.