Clàrsach

Jochen Vogel: Highland Lounge

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No two wire-strung harpists/players are the same. This is obvious in the kind of style that Jochen Vogel has been developing for years. Like guitars, violins and other instruments, the Clarsach is a very expressive instrument owing its grace not only to the player but the way it was constructed. The wood, the conditions that it has been exposed to becomes the result. Then you add the temperament of the player and the kind of musical background he or she comes from. What you get is a refreshing sound that is not like any of those that play the same instrument.

His music is jazzy and ‘modern’ that proves this ancient instrument can find a new place in mainstream audience as well as those that are passionate about the musical culture that it originated from. His rendition of Cancro Cru  flows like waterfalls while  Fields of Gold along with his cool singing (reminiscent of Chis deBurgh) will send generations of Starbucks crowd playing this as piped in music. Jochen Vogel has mapped his domain ahead of the others and created a kind of music that listeners will chill to for generations.

http://www.jochen-vogel.de

http://www.myspace.com/jochenvogel

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I have been writing about the harp community lately and I think this link will help everyone who is interested in the history as well as evolution of the Clarsach. Thanks to harpist Scott Hoye for bringing this to my attention.

http://www.wirestrungharp.com/

Cynthia Cathcart:Playing the Unique Sound of the Clàrsach

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Cynthia Cathcart takes us on a journey through the mystical sound of the  Clàrsach.

The Clàrsach is different from the regular Classical harp in a sense that it has  smaller size  and creates a unique sound. It has that distinctive perky and almost sharp edge when played by the fingernails. It is a tone color that resembles the harpsichord yet has the nuance of the piano. It creates a visual imagery that calls to mind tiny silver coins being tossed inside an empty well. Resonant but light..always brilliant and ancient.

Cynthia Cathcart  mastered this instrument by herself. It was  accident that brought this  into her hands. She taught herself how to play  and passion made her do research on the techniques as well as the musical repertoire for this instrument. Her classical training in the field of  piano and organ made her apply the discipline to the Clàrsach yet never losing that folk honesty that is always present in Celtic music.

She teaches  and has released two recordings. Learn more about her, the instrument and samples from her website : http://www.cynthiacathcart.net

You can purchase the CDs here: http://www.cynthiacathcart.net/cds.html

Cynthia Cathcart is an award winning performer and instructor on the clarsach, the wire-strung harp of Ireland and the Highlands and Islands of Scotland.

The brilliant revival of this ancient instrument is in part due to the uniquely bell-like resonance of brass, silver and gold harp strings, producing a sound unlike any other harp.

Cynthia strives to bring the joy of making music on these precious strings to anyone who is drawn to their sound. She offers private lessons in her studio near Washington DC, and also attends various events throughout the year to give workshops, presentations and concerts.

As well as helping students, Cynthia’s books, articles and recordings will delight lovers of this strange, special music.

conundrumproductions.com