Customer Reviews

Caprice: French Music for Harp

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This CD features the amazing talents of Susan McDonald, considered one of the finest harpists in the world. Check out the article about her on Wikipedia dot com, as it is interesting as well as informative. The recordings herein were made in 1975 at the Little Bridges Auditorium, Pomona College in Claremont, California. Susan is a phenomenal harpist and her detail and expressiveness are remarkable! This program includes classical works by composers Carlos Salzedo, Gabriel Faure, Alphonse Hasselmans, and others. Susan's performances here are as engaging as they are relaxing. My dissatisfaction with this recording and why I gave it only two stars, relates to the audio quality, which lacks dynamics. Apparently some sort of automatic audio level adjustment system was used during the recording or mastering process. Consequently, during the louder passages, one can detect the recording levels dropping. Conversely, during the quieter passages, the recording levels appear to rise resulting in the sound being somewhat bloated and overly sonorous. This really diminished my enjoyment of this otherwise fine performance. This CD contains over 77 minutes of excellent music.

I also purchased another Susan McDonald album titled 'The World of the Harp' issued on the DELOS label. This is a CD I highly recommend, which showcases Susan's wonderful talents, as well as exhibits excellent sound quality with audio dynamics fully intact. The World of the Harp

This is the music of the spheres! so to speak. The harp, in my opnion, is a sublime instrument and nearly anything played on it is delightful. This CD is no exception. Very beautiful music to focus on for contemplation or meditation or simply as background. Playing it will transform any environment into the most exalted and elegant setting. You will not be disappointed.