Tranquil Harp

This review is the final of my three-part Review Series that compares the following four Harp CDs :  Handel: Harp Concertos , New York Harp Ensemble: Works By Albinoni, Bach, Beethoven, Boccherini, Mozart, Marcello, Pachelbel, Gretry, Scarlatti, and Albrechtsberger , Healing from the harp , and  The Tranquil Harp: Improvisations for Relaxation, Meditation, Integration . The review series came together during my quest for THE most relaxing and ethereal harp CD, which subsequently morphed into a search for the harp CD most suitable for structured relaxation (such as meditation or sleep). If you are interested in the inspiration for my hunt, the evolution of the search, or a more detailed discussion of my criteria, you can consult my previous reviews ( New York Harp Ensemble: Works By Albinoni, Bach, Beethoven, Boccherini, Mozart, Marcello, Pachelbel, Gretry, Scarlatti, and Albrechtsberger  and  Healing from the harp , repesctively). But you should know, up front, that the CD reviewed here has ended my quest, as I am satisfied that it is absolutely THE BEST harp CD for structured relaxation, including both meditation and sleep.The Tranquil Harp: Improvisations for Relaxation, Meditation, Integration is a collection of eight harp improvisations, written and performed by Paul Baker on a Dusty Strings FH-36B Celtic Harp. There is no accompaniment by any other instrument, so I have called this a, "harp-only," CD. Since the pieces are improvisational in nature, they are immediately unfamiliar to the listener.Though I have enjoyed all of the harp CDs mentioned in this review series, it is the inherent unfamiliarity of the listener with the music that sets this CD apart. Though Healing from the Harp, is my personal favorite for task background music, this one prevails for achieving peace because it lacks the familiarity that can distract from true relaxation as the listener consciously anticipates the next phrase in the music (example : what happens when you mentally hum, "Oh, say can you see?" where does your mind go?).As indicated in the title, The Tranquil Harp, this music is not intended to be stimulating or lively at all. Mr. Baker has achieved his purpose well. I would describe this music as tranquil, as he does.Further, Mr. Baker has not sacrificed that ethereal quality I associate with harp music through the use of improvisation. The music is quite pleasing and enjoyable on a level comparable to the others I've reviewed, though uniquely this one is unfamiliar. I have issued only 4 Stars for the, "pleasure factor," on my specified criteria chart below because I, personally, derive more pleasure from music that I find initially familiar to me. Though I find familiarity-induced anticipation can hinder structured relaxation, when it comes to pure pleasure, I prefer some of the specific titles offered elsewhere.Included in the liner notes is a structured technique presented in detail and suggested as a means to utilize the full capacity of the music for several purposes including : meditative balancing, strengthening focus, stress reduction, general health improvement, discovery of intuitive answers to specific questions or clarity of certain issues, body-mind-emotion-spirit integration, focused healing of a specific body area through Vocal Integration, and elemental balancing. It is also noted (in the liner notes) that simply playing this CD as a background to study or work can improve such environments so to clarify focus and improve subsequent recall and thus enhance performance and/or learning. I have not evaluated that statement objectively.The techniques described are detailed in prose and an illustrative chart is provided, which caters the specifics to each of the eight improvisational pieces named for stones. In the prose, Mr. Baker (or his copyright) elucidates that for each piece, a stone of the chakra-appropriate color is suggested. In the chart, each stone, corresponding color, chakra, and body area are related to the track number and musical key of each improvisational piece. This is a wealth of information for those interested, but the music stands alone, exclusive of this information, quite well.________________________________________________________________________Comparative Rating of this CD on the Scale Detailed in previous reviewsPleasure Factor . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4/5Peacefulness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5/5Meditation Suitability . . . . . . . . . .5/5Ethereal Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5/5Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5/5Sound Engineering . . . . . . . . . . . 5/5________________________________________________________________________A final note for anyone reading these reviews as a series follows.Though I continue to enjoy all four of the CDs mentioned in this series of reviews and highly recommend all of them, I find each suitable for a different purpose.For those times when I am NOT seeking that ethereal quality that I find most purely evident in harp music exclusive of accompaniment, and when I am just going to play some classical music that highlights the harp intermittently, I play  Handel: Harp Concertos . I'd call it good morning music, because it is lively in some parts and can be stimulating.If I'm looking for that certain ethereal quality that I feel only can be enjoyed when harp is played without accompaniment, but seek neither distraction nor relaxation, I turn to the now out of print Hungarian Import,  New York Harp Ensemble: Works By Albinoni, Bach, Beethoven, Boccherini, Mozart, Marcello, Pachelbel, Gretry, Scarlatti, and Albrechtsberger . Though less stimulating than the selection mentioned above, this choice lends itself best to active music-listening.When I'm task-oriented, doing busywork, and WANT to be slightly distracted by some relaxing background music, or when I want unwind in the evening while doing something menial, I turn on  Healing from the harp , which is really my favorite of these CDs for pure pleasure.Finally, for anyone who wants some music that will actually help them achieve mindful relaxation or sleep, I recommend  The Tranquil Harp: Improvisations for Relaxation, Meditation, Integration , the ideal harp CD for meditation.

Love this. I read the harp music helps you relax and it does. I enjoy listening to it during the hour down time before going to bed. You know turn off the computer (the blue hue keeps you awake) turn on the music and just relax.

We have cancer at our house, and this provides some nice music therapy.

Stunningly beautiful-peaceful-soothing-magical

This is the absolutely BEST harp music CD I have. Bought several for house. You won't be sorry you bought it.

My wife plays harp so she can appreciate the quality of the playing. She likes this CD so much that she often plays it in her auto when driving.

I don't pretend to be experienced in this genre of music, but to my ear this is wonderful music. I have used it as introductory background music for a book-signing party and as background music for a small group prayer time. I play it often during my mealtimes with my wife. I can't imagine many buyers being disappointed with this purchase.

This is a very nice cd. It really is tranquil. The nature sounds are well balanced with the I instrument.