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Experimental, acoustic, folk, improvisation, medieval folk, Swansea.

An instructive session documenting the bray harp’s sonic possibilities Telyn Wrachïod is another instance of Welsh harpist Rhodri Davies’ crusade to create a place for the multi-string chordophone in improvised music. Davies, who has worked with John Butcher and Mark Wastell among others, doesn’t overreach however. He packs 12 separate tracks into fewer than 37 minutes with most clocking in about two minutes plus.

Putting aside the common tonal image of the harp as fluffy accompaniment for delicate arabesques, Davis confirms the toughness of the harp’s so-called donkey-braying sound by by constantly rubbing the strings and particular bray pins so that ostinato drones are constantly present. Lyrical qualities of the vibrating strings are audible as well. But these themes whether single note or affiliated patterns are integrated into the performances as top lines ring alongside string buzzes. As well as sustained strains and strums sounding expected harp textures, the instrument’s ability to briefly replicate timbral flourishes reminiscent of a banjo or a sitar provide additional variety to the tunes which in part have traditional antecedents,

Track elaboration with multiple strings and pins brought into play for contrapuntal or cooperative interlude also show how sophisticated playing can evolve at a variety of tempos, often  in the same tune without losing focus. “Triban y Gwyddon”, the longest and most complex piece for instance, speeds up from andante to presto at the same time as string hammering cements its definition as a percussive and powerful track. Solo harp improvisations are obviously not to everyone’s tastes. But those who want to hear unparalleled multi-string creativity will be drawn to this session.

Tracks:
1. Agoriad y Cywair 
2. Cildraeth Sienco 
3. Hanner dyrned o’r wermod lwyd 
4. Asswynaw Rhisiart
5. Ar lafar gynt 
6. Un Dydd 
7. Dygan Gwent 
8. Pe cawn i Glasfedd 
9. Yr Hen Dôn 
10. Triban y Gwyddon 
11. Gardd a Thŷ 
12. Erddigan Dannau

Staat er compleet op, 10% pars mee gepost. Met zeer veel dank aan de originele poster. Laat af en toe eens weten wat je van het album vindt. Altijd leuk, de mening van anderen. Oh ja, MP3 doe ik niet aan.