The Blossom and The Rain

Harpist Carol Thompson renders traditional Irish airs with a delicate grace and poise that evokes the gentility of the 19th century. With nimble, emotive fingers, she creates a charming, contemplative Celtic mood using her unique "downward roll" style, which opens the harp to a lush, chiming interpretation rather than adhering to the classical school. The atmosphere is both delightful and hushed, bright and melancholy, and Thompson's selection of material quietly pays tribute to the Irish, Scottish, and Welsh folk traditions despite it sounding aristocratic at times. Her renditions of "Derry Air" (better known as "Danny Boy") and "An Chuilfhoinn," or "The Coolin" air, cast an enchanting fairylike spell as refreshing as a drink of water from a mountain spring. One bar of "Down by the Salley Gardens" and Celtic-music lovers will recognize this beautiful air, full of a quaint magic and intimate romance that's sprinkled throughout this exquisite collection. --Karen K. Hugg