Cląrsach na Bąnrighe (which means 'The Queen's Harp') is the brand
new debut CD from Simon Chadwick.

The disc presents two complementary programmes, of medieval and 18th
century Scottish early harp repertory. The cover illustration shows a
detail from the instrument on which the music is played: a newly
commissioned replica of the famous medieval Scottish 'Queen Mary' harp.

The medieval section of the CD includes 13th century church repertory
from St Andrews Cathedral (where the CD was recorded), as well as
from Inchcolm island in the Firth of Forth. The second half of the CD
presents, for the first time, the complete repertory of John
Robertson of Lude, Perthshire, who owned and played the 'Queen Mary'
harp in the early 18th century. As well as airs, ports and a family
salute, it includes a Gaelic song on the battle of Sherrifmuir, which
has been newly matched to its original tune and is sung by guest,
Mairead Murnion, from Co. Down, Ireland.

The 'Queen Mary' harp is one of Scotland's national treasures, on
display in a glass case in the National Museum of Scotland,
Edinburgh. This replica was built by sculptor, Davy Patton, from Co.
Roscommon in Ireland. It is by far the most accurate ever made,
copying not only the shape and form of the original, but also its
fantastically intricate decoration. It is carved from only three
pieces of timber: willow, apple, and sycamore. Following historical
Irish and Scottish practice, the harp has strings of metal wire:
medieval 'latten' brass, sterling silver and 18 carat gold.

Simon Chadwick is a specialist in the history, traditions and
performance of historical Irish and Scottish harp music. He has been
based in St Andrews since early 2006. He is Hon. Secretary of the
Historical Harp Society of Ireland, and Assistant Director of its
annual summer school, which is held in Kilkenny, Ireland every August
and is the main international event for the study of the historical
Gaelic harp traditions. Since 2006, he has been researching,
performing and teaching at the Wighton Heritage Centre in Dundee,
which holds an extensive collection of 17th, 18th and 19th century
Scottish music books.

Produced with a grant from the Arts Trust of Scotland


For more information, pictures and a sample track please visit
http://www.earlygaelicharp.info/CnaB
http://www.simonchadwick.net




Two recitals to launch the new CD

The Prior's House, St Andrews Cathedral
Tuesday 11th March 2008, 12.45-1.15pm
Admission free; please collect tickets from the Visitor Centre 01334
472563

Wighton Heritage Centre, Dundee Central Library
Thursday 13th March 2008, 7.30pm
Admission free

www.earlygaelicharp.info
07792 336804