A Christmas Concert

Gabriel's Message ~ harp solo

   Last night I attended a concert of music from the Middle Ages and early American history.  It was held at the local library and consisted of music from instruments of those times:  harps, concertina, organetto, French horn, and guitar.  Plus the beautiful baritone of a gentleman singing Ave Maria.  I've added short clips here from the concert, but first a little about the organetto.

   This one was made in Germany from "bogwood" ~ wood that had fallen into a bog a few thousand years ago and stayed there until it was found.  The rich dark color is from the bog.  It has baffles on one side of it which you will see in the video clip, metal pipes, and a small keyboard.

    The harps were Celtic harps with leavers to adjust the tone of the cords, and the concertina is almost like a small accordion.

    Musicians were Leah & Rodger Trent on the harp, concertina, and organetto.  [click here for a link to the website to find out about ordering CDs of their music].  They were joined by Briane Turley who sang baritone.

    I didn't get clips of the French horn, guitar, or the gentleman who sang tenor.  I was trying not to be too obvious with my camera, which is why I also didn't get very long clips.  The concert was a little over an hour, but it was heavenly.

Corde Natus Est ~ (a Gregorian chant) on organetto

Breath of Heaven ~ harp duet

Cold Frosty Morning ~ concertina & harp

Carol of the Bells ~ harp duet

Ave Maria ~ with harp