Catrin Finch: crossing the stone

Catrin Finch

crossing the stone

SK 87320

Catrin Finch, acoustic and electric harps; The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra.

Catrin Finch is not stuffy about her classical music; at the age of only twenty-three this Welsh lady has all the vitality, flair and technique to match the best on this oldest of instruments. Finch opens in scintillating style with "Mountain Dance", to an exciting multi-ethnic arrangement. "Harpers Bizarre" keeps the tempo moving with an over-dubbing of eight harp parts; though without notes it would be difficult at times to fully understand what is going on. Backed by The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Karl Jenkins, who did almost all of the arranging, this is a lush, sensual, inspiringly beautiful CD; just listen to the title track "Crossing the Stone", an original Welsh song, then try and disagree. If you have never thought much about the harp before, then take in this slip of a girl and your heart will open. "The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba from Solomon" introduces Arabic instruments to this flying evergreen of popular classical pieces. Handel, who did have a sense of humor, would have been well pleased. Finch takes us through sixteen tracks of sparkling delight backed by innovative arranging. This will raise the tone of your CD rack.

by Ferdinand Maylin

More New Sounds - November 2003 CD Reviews