Ludovico Einaudi
Self-Released, 2021
8/10
An Italian artist who is well versed in the harp as well as being a composer, Floraleda Sacchi brings her harp, crystal harp and granulators to this very well thought out album, where she manipulates her instrument in ways that often resemble a guitar or even a piano.
“Oltremare” starts the listen with 12 minutes of intricate and flowing harp playing that’s dreamy, meditative and flowing with so much beauty, and “Nightbook” follows with a hypnotic quality as the strings dance with incredible dexterity and glowing songwriting that you can’t help but be in awe of.
Closer to the middle, the emotive “Elegy For The Arctic” resides in calm, bare territory where much emphasis is on mood, while “Dietro I’incanto” twinkles with a pretty, playful and yet very graceful approach that is so well done, it alone is worth the price of admission.
Near to the end, “Divenire” displays fascinating, meticulous playing with an incredibly melodic delivery, and “Primavera” exits the listen with a dizzying execution of unparalleled skill and unimaginable harp acrobatics.
Sure, one might think that an entire record of just harp sounds would be better suited for an EP, but in Sacchi’s capable hands, you’ll actually want to hear more of her inimitable work. Thankfully, the complicated arrangements are just as exciting on subsequent listens.
Travels well with: Hillary Hahn & Hauschka- Silfra; Sue Maskaleris- Love Is The Key