Alan Stivell – Renaissance De La Harpe Celtique (Fontana 1971)

Absolutely masterful album by this unique artist, who got famous for popularizing the Celtic harp. But it was actually his father that first got the idea of reintroducing this ancient, and by then, totally forgotten instrument. In the 50’s, when Alan Stivell was a child, the instrument was created. It didn’t take long before young Stivell started playing on it, and some years later he also started to find some musicians who could play with him. In 1970 he released his debut album, ‘Reflets’. I haven’t heard that one, but his next album – with the fitting title ‘Renaissance De La Harpe Celtique’ – is a quite regular guest on my turntable. For one thing, the atmosphere is totally captivating – and also incredibly beautiful. Stylistically the album is actually not that far away from what Mike Oldfield did on is earliest albums (Oldfield was also heavily influenced by Celtic myths and folklore), but ‘Renaissance…’ is more folky. Perhaps also more classically inspired. The end of side A, with the totally goosebump-inducing, long-drawn melodies and crescendos actually remind me strongly of a certain Tschaikowsky! As that russian is one of my absolute favourite composers of all time, it’s safe to say that this composition is a true winner for me. By the way, all the ‘song’-titles here (the album should really be listened to in one piece, and as one continuous composition) are in Bretan, like Mr. Stivell’s own descent. It’s also a completely instrumental album – thankfully, I might add, because this music doesn’t need vocals. The music itself is dreamy, hypnotic and sometimes complex. This is also music to get totally lost in. Even though I have listened through this album countless times, I still find new and interesting details and aspects about it. Give yourself a favour, and get this album. You deserve it.