Album Review: Prestige De La Harpe Celtique Volume 1 by Denise Mégevand
Alright, so here’s the deal—this album, Prestige De La Harpe Celtique Volume 1, is one of those hidden gems that kinda sneaks up on you. Released in 1974 (yeah, almost 50 years ago!), it's got this cool mix of folk, classical, and Celtic vibes with a dash of contemporary flair. Denise Mégevand, the harpist behind it all, really brings something special to the table. And let me tell ya, France wasn’t just about wine and baguettes back then—this record proves they were serving up some serious musical magic too.
The album drops eight tracks, but two really stuck with me: "Koleda" and "Danses Aux Miroirs." Let’s dive into why these tunes are still buzzing around my brain days after listening.
First off, “Koleda.” Man, this track feels like walking through a misty forest at dawn. The harp takes center stage here, obviously, but there’s this subtle layering from the flute (shoutout to Alain Marion!) that gives it an ethereal vibe. It’s not flashy or overdone—it’s more like someone whispering secrets directly into your soul. You can tell Denise put her heart into every pluck of the strings. Honestly, I could listen to this on repeat for hours without getting bored. Feels healing, y’know?
Then there’s “Danses Aux Miroirs,” which flips the mood completely. This one’s lively and playful, like watching sunlight dance across water. The percussion (props to Gaston Silvestre) adds this rhythmic bounce that makes you wanna grab someone and spin ‘em around the room. There’s also this viola moment by Lucienne Lovano that sneaks in halfway through and just ties everything together perfectly. It’s the kind of song that sticks because it’s impossible not to smile while it’s playing.
One thing I gotta mention is how smooth the production sounds for its time. Credit goes to Claude Morel—he didn’t just engineer this thing; he realized it (whatever that means exactly). Everything feels balanced, letting each instrument breathe without stepping on the others’ toes. Oh, and the liner notes written by Denise herself? Super insightful if you’re into understanding the backstory behind the music.
Now, here’s the kicker—listening to this album made me realize how timeless good music really is. Like, sure, it came out nearly half a century ago, but it doesn’t feel dated at all. If anything, it’s proof that simplicity done well never gets old. Plus, who knew a harp could sound so versatile? Not me, apparently.
So yeah, if you’re looking for something different—something that’ll transport you to another world for forty minutes or so—check out Prestige De La Harpe Celtique Volume 1. Just don’t blame me if you start randomly googling medieval harp techniques afterward. Trust me, it happens.
