Victoria Lynn: Live in Concert

Victoria Lynn:
Live in Concert
Victoria Lynn
(CD # 86851-1087-2)

The harp is one of those instruments that invariably makes one think of medieval and renaissance music; when played by a virtuoso, it becomes a conduit to the distant past, a direct link to an ancient tradition. Victoria Lynn Schultz is just such a virtuoso, and her Live in Concert CD is an hour-long slice of history. A nicely representative collection of pieces for renaissance and Irish harp, the CD is perfect for background music at a period-themed event and equally suited to an afternoon or evening of relaxation.

Most of the pieces are period compositions, and their traditional feel is reflected in Schultz’s superb playing; “Siciliana” and “Dance” evoke the courtliness and elegance of a noble household. The delicate notes draw upon one another, like couples calling one another to the dance. The sound quality is unusually good for a live album; every note is crisp, not cold or sterile. The harpist’s fingers fly over the strings, especially on “Bianco Fiore” and “All in a Garden Green,” at times creating the illusion of multiple instruments in mimic of a court orchestra. Mellifluous vocals accompany “Tout céde a vos doux appas” and “Ah! Qu’il fait beau,” a charming touch that furthers the fantasy.

The CD’s second half switches gears and features performances on the Irish harp. In contrast to the renaissance harp selections that stem from the royal courts of Europe, these tracks reflect the origins of the songs among the common people, where the style is dramatically different but equally mastered by Schultz. Alternating the quicker tempos of “Nobody’s Gigge” with the slow, ballad-like qualities of “Down by the Salley Gardens” and “Carrickfergus,” the versatility of the harp in its various incarnations is showcased beautifully. Reels and jigs are also represented here, and their distinctive sound is obvious, even without the accompaniment of pipe and fiddle that typically joins them.

Finally, the collection is rounded out with several original compositions, including the award-winning “Celtic Suite;” its individual sections delve into the rich Celtic musical tradition in a satisfying sampler of sound.
Beguiling and soothing, this CD amply shows why the harp has long been associated with the music of angels. Live in Concert is a heavenly collection that is not to be missed.

— Richard Mackenzie