Description
Carol Wood is a harpist, composer, and vocalist who has always been inspired by the connection between the harp and poetry. The Eve of St. Agnes includes her settings of poetry by great poets of the past and present, such as Robert Herrick, William Blake, and W. B. Yeats, as well as settings of her own translations of six of the mysterious Anglo-Saxon riddles.
On this recording, Carol is eager to show off the versatility of the Celtic harp. The collection includes not only art songs but also pieces ranging from a “neo-medieval suite” (“A Medieval Feast”) to a tango to blues and jazz. (“The Magician’s Birthday” was named one of five finalists in the Jazz and Blues category of the 2005 South Atlantic Songwriter’s Composition.)
Titles:
In May–harp solo from the book Homage to Yeats
Six Anglo-Saxon Riddles–harp and voice: Harp, Fingers and Pen, Fish in a River, Mead, Swan, Reed Flute. Rumanian wooden double flute: Rick Condit
A Medieval Feast–suite for Celtic harp (found in the book Friends Near and Far): The Procession of Courses, The Lovers’ Glances, The Dance (Percussion: Wes Hanna), The Sotelty and the Wafer.
The Eve of St. Agnes–suite for Celtic harp (found in the book “Friends Near and Far”): St. Agnes’ Eve, The Dancers, (Percussion: Wes Hanna), Madeline Dreaming, Into the Storm.
Songs with vocalist Lindy Ponce de León: To Daffodils–lyrics by Robert Herrick, Ah, Sunflower–lyrics by William Blake, The Dandelion–lyrics by Vachel Lindsay
The Forsaken Merman–lyrics by Matthew Arnold
Vocalist: Laurie Robertson
Wise Woman Tango–harp solo from “A Gathering of Friends” book
21 Cyanoblue Waltz–harp solo from “A Gathering of Friends” book
22 Swimming in Elk River–lyrics by Tom Kirby-Smith
23 The Song of Wandering Aengus–lyrics by W. B. Yeats
Irish whistle: Rick Condit
24 The Magician’s Birthday harp solo from “A Gathering of Friends” book with Percussion: Ken Turner and Electric bass: Ken Turner.
