Music for the trees
Sometimes deep, at other times joyous and light, this music paints pictures and takes us off into the forest. Rooted in a deep understanding of our native trees and their myths and history – the composer is the author of a number of books about the cultural and spiritual history of trees – this album is dedicated to ten tree species which have been of outstanding importance in the spiritual history, not only of western Europe, since the earliest times.
All tracks are centred around the harp which, however, meets at least one other instrument in each composition. We hear dialogues with flute, violin or guitar, dynamic arrangements for string quartet, as well as percussion and double bass. "Elm" for example is written for harp and tenor saxophone – an innovative and hauntingly beautiful combination of sounds. All guest musicians contribute through their great sensitivity as much as their virtuosity which, however, is never exhibited but humbly serves the whole: a musical mystical journey which is meditative and rhythmic at the same time, full of colour, change and movement and yet breathes a deep tranquility.
Fred Hageneder has been playing Celtic harp since 1983. After some intensive years in Celtic folk bands he began to explore medieval music, followed by free theatre work and jazz sessions. With The Spirit of Trees he returned to his roots in 2001.
This is a new release of the 2001 album with the same name (and an old yew tree on the front cover). All songs have been remastered.
fred hageneder 40-string pedal harp, 31-string clarsach (gut), 30-string clarsach (iron), guitar, bouzouki, saz
carlos alvarez flute
dorothea greve bodhran
henry sears violin
aristazabal hawks double bass
martin shaw bells, congas, drums
helen sherrah-davies violin
antonia pagulatos violin
karen o’brien viola
samantha rowe violincello
dave mckeown tenor sax, clarinet
andrew mckenzie electric guitar
ross gardiner electric guitar
nigel shaw yew wood flute, high whistle