Customer Reviews

Mystic Harp 2

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

 

 

Mystic Harp 2 is one of my favorite albums--maybe the best of the celtic/new age hybrid albums available.

Personally, although I really like the first one, I actually think that this one is better. Why? Largely because I think the melodies are actually a little stronger on this one than The Mystic Harp. Those were good. These are great. The composer, Donald Walters, really seems to have benefitted the second time around from having already "got one under his belt," so to speak. The melodies are very rich, textured--even profound. And Derek's playing, as always, is simply the best. You can really feel that these instrumental pieces mean something--both to Derek and the composer. They're not just Celtic "sound-alikes"--rather they sort of go beyond pure Celtic music and capture, as the title promises, a feeling or hint of something more mystical.

Since I had the Mystic Harp and loved it, I HAD to also have the 2nd edition. These are beautiful "healing harp" renditions. The builder of these harps does an excellent job as does the artist playing on it.

I received the c.d. "Mystic Harp", not "Mystic Harp, Vol. 2".
I ordered "Mystic Harp" also, and received it from another supplier.
So, now I have two copies of "Mystic Harp"

I contacted the supplier who sent the wrong one. They e-mailed me back, saying for me to send the one back for an exchange. However, I just decided to keep it.

Thank you.

This is not really a Derek Bell CD, but a Donald Waters CD. Bell is only the main performer. If you are looking for Celtic music do not buy this! If you are looking for the most mind-numbing, saccharine-laced New Age music you have found it. Now I like good New Age music, but that quality does not apply to this release. Bell is a fine performer, his Chieftans heritage ensures him a firm place in the annals of modern Celtic music. It is good that after so many years of doing traditional music that such artists branch out and do something a little different. Some of the finest Celtic music I have heard is played on the harp. Bell is an excellent musician and should feel ashamed for participating in this travesty. The cover describes this as 'Music in the Celtic Tradition,' but that applies in only the most broad sense of the term 'Celtic.' There is much talent here, Waters' as well as Bell's, but it is wasted. Soft music should be moving and stirring in a deep spiritual way, and should not create a false sense of peace by numbing the listener into a daze of metaphysical-musical boredom.