My new CD, Soirée à Montpellier releases December 1st and I am in the midst of preparing the tracks. (To learn more about this recording, read my CD page.) Part of the ‘structure’ of this recording is that each song will represent something I experienced while living in France.
There was a cathedral in Montpellier called St. Pierre. I used to go there on hot summer afternoons and pray in the coolness of the sanctuary. A little elderly French lady would always greet me as I entered, along with the lingering sweetness of incense and the serene harmonies of ancient choral music.
I’ve spent hours this afternoon playing around with a way to recreate that mood on my harp. Not being a choir, this has proved difficult. But I am embracing the challenge.
I recorded two of my attempts on my laptop and I would love to hear which of these two pieces you like best! This is not by any means a finished product: just me playing around on the harp. You might want to turn your speakers down to reduce buzzing.
Please vote for your favorite! Innocents, or Vater unser im Himmelreich? (And why?)
Vater unser im Himmelreich:
Innocents:
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Twin-Cities harpist Stephanie Claussen invites audiences to explore new locales and eras through her music. Influenced by her love of fairy tales, J.R.R. Tolkien, and the world music section at her local library, she performs a unique mixture of Scottish tunes, J.S. Bach, and anything rich in medieval or French harmonies. Sign up for her e-mail newsletter to receive important announcements and notifications of upcoming performances.
7 comments
Katy
Well this is a difficult one. I like them both for different reasons. I closed my eyes and pictured myself sitting in the cathedral. As much as I enjoyed Inoocents, I feel like Vater unser im Himmelreich (I have no idea what that means) is what reminded me most of my time in the cathedral. It’s very somber. Thanks for sharing…that was neat!
Emily Schminke
Katy, I like your mental picture. If this is the “mood” that Stephanie is going for, then I concur– Vater unser im Himmelreich is my choice as well!
Jeanette Rice
I think it depends on what kind of mood you want to portray to others. I feel like “Vater unser im Himmelreich” is very somber and it’s fitting to describe the inside of Saint Pierre in general. However, I feel like you put more of your heart into “Innocents” and I could imagine that song reflecting how YOU felt whenever you went to the cathedral to find a place of solace; it sounds very peaceful and…safe. If I had to vote, I would say put “Innocents” on your CD because it describes your experience of Saint Pierre and attachment to that place.
Jeanette Rice
P.S. One of the new STINTers votes for “Innocents” as well because it reminds her of sunlight coming through the stained glass windows. 🙂 I thought that was sweet and rather fitting.
Jeanette Rice
P.P.S. A different new STINTer likes “Vater unser im Himmelreich” though because it seemed like “observing music”. She felt like she could listen to it and still “look around”.
Jeanette Rice
OK, here’s another one. I’m recruiting people to listen for you, Stephanie :-). Amandine, a French student says that she prefers “Innocents” because it makes her think of the lit candles and the sunlight coming in from the stained glass windows.
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