Carols of the Harp is a festive and evocative EP featuring three iconic Christmas pieces, beautifully arranged by Thomas Hewitt Jones for harp and string orchestra. Performed by the gifted harpist Cecily Beer alongside the Chamber Orchestra of London, this release transforms familiar seasonal melodies into a rich, almost symphonic experience. The result feels like a new harp concerto—a three-movement journey through the moods of Christmas, with an andante for the opening movement, a serene adagio for the second movement and a scherzo third movement.
The opening track, “Sussex Carol,” sets the tone with its vivacity. It is upbeat and powerful, spinning a tapestry of cheerful winter scenes, where the music dances like snowflakes illuminated by festive lights. Cecily Beer’s harp introduces the melody with a delightful "spinning wheel" of broken chords, a rippling effect that propels the music forward, drawing listeners into a whirlwind of holiday cheer. The interplay between the harp and the strings—arranged and produced by Thomas Hewitt Jones—adds a dynamic richness, culminating in a rousing, heartwarming conclusion. As Jones notes,
“It was a pleasure to arrange and produce these three new Christmas arrangements for the talented Cecily Beer.”
The second piece, “Silent Night,” invites a moment of quiet reflection. This serene adagio highlights the harp’s soft and tender tones, blending seamlessly with the lush, expressive strings of the Chamber Orchestra of London. Conducted by Rupert Gough, the orchestra provides a warm, supportive cushion to the harp’s delicate lines. At times, Beer’s harp takes center stage, offering a gentle yet poignant rendition of the beloved carol, evoking a feeling of peace and nostalgia. The music subtly modulates upward, imbuing the piece with a hopeful sense of anticipation. Cecily describes this track as having “the perfect balance of joy and nostalgia,” a sentiment that is palpable throughout the tender arrangement.
The EP —the concerto in my opinion— concludes with “Bell Carol,” a dazzling scherzo full of rhythmic energy. Based on the well-known song “Shchedryk,” written by Ukrainian composer Mykola Leontovych in 1914, this piece reinvents the familiar motif into an exhilarating celebration. The harp’s crystalline tones and quicksilver arpeggios play off the exuberant strings, creating a dance-like feel that embodies the festive spirit. Beer’s performance is extraordinary; she skillfully balances the harp’s naturally ethereal timbre with dynamic shifts and expressive phrasing, whether accompanying the orchestra or leading it with confident, lyrical grace.
Thomas Hewitt Jones’s arrangements breathe new life into these Christmas classics, highlighting Beer’s artistry. Cecily reflects,
“For me, the upbeat tracks, Sussex Carol and Bell Carol, are exactly what I want to be listening to while dancing around my kitchen making Christmas lunch.”
It’s a joyful, festive experience that feels timeless yet fresh, a perfect soundtrack for the holiday season.
Carols of the Harp by Cecily Beer, featuring the Chamber Orchestra of London, is released on Vivum Music and available on Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube and other streaming platforms. Let this exquisite collection fill your home with warmth, sparkle, and the magic of Christmas.
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