Clarsach na Banrighe

The 'Queen Mary' harp is one of Scotland's national treasures. It is on display in the National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh. On this  fascinating CD 'Clàrsach na Bànrighe' (The Queen's Harp), Simon Chadwick plays a replica of the harp which was built by sculptor, Davy Patton, from Co. Roscommon in Ireland.  It is carved from only three pieces of timber: willow, apple, and sycamore. Following historical Irish and Scottish practice, the harp has strings of metal wire: medieval 'latten' brass, sterling silver and 18 carat gold. It is by far the most accurate ever made, copying not only the shape and form of the original, but also its fantastically intricate decoration.

The CD presents two complementary programmes, of medieval and 18th century Scottish early harp repertory. The medieval section of the CD includes 13th century church repertory from St Andrews Cathedral (where the CD was recorded), as well as from Inchcolm island in the Firth of Forth. The second half of the CD presents, for the first time, the complete repertory of John Robertson of Lude, Perthshire, who owned and played the 'Queen Mary' harp in the early 18th century. As well as airs, ports and a family salute, it includes a Gaelic song on the battle of Sherrifmuir, which has been newly matched to its original tune and is sung by guest, Mairead Murnion.

Part 1. Medieval church music (Tracks 1-7)
Part 2: Medieval instrumental music (Tracks 8-9 and 10-12) with an Interlude of 17th & 18th century Clarsach music
Part 3: The Queen Mary harp at Lude House (Tracks 13-21, 22) Postlude: The flowers of the forest (Track 22)