That I did always Love, an ode to Emily Dickinson, for harp in a soundscape
Big Round, 2023
8/10
Listen to That I did always Love, an ode to Emily Dickinson, for harp in a soundscape
The composer and harpist Anne Vanschothor pays homage to the legendary American poet Emily Dickinson, where 7 poems are put to music, as much intimacy radiates from the emotive presence.
“A Harp Note To Emily Dickinson” opens the listen with the mesmerizing and elegant strings unfolding with much care and atmosphere, and “Nobody knows this little Rose” follows with Annie Einan’s gorgeous voice alongside the emotive harp that suits the poetic climate.
Deeper into the listen, “Where have all the birds gone?” has the harp creating a rich landscape of warmth and mystery, while “I hav’nt told my garden yet” brings back Einan’s vocals to the dreamy demeanor of stirring song craft and vivid wordplay.
The last 2 tracks, “Trees of mercy” and “If I shouldn’t be alive”, are memorable, too, where the former is quite minimal and artistically gentle, and the latter is just as tranquil, via the flowing strings that emit beauty and the sounds of nature that adds much allure.
An aesthetically soothing and minimal body of work, Vanschothorst’s playing is striking, and the texts certainly draw us in as well.
Travels well with: David Harris- You Loved Me Then; Natraj- Ragamala Paintings Alive!