A greyhound-safe tree… out of the way!
Today’s post is all about Christmas harp videos. If you’re a harpist, it’s likely that at some point someone will have said to you, “oh you should make YouTube videos, you’d make a fortune!”
What nobody realises is how long it takes to make a really good one and how frustrating a process it can be.
I couldn’t decide which video to start with, so here’s my absolute favourite - Nicole’s playing is beautiful, she looks really comfortable and at ease playing (which is something I can only aspire to as I find it really really hard!), the setting is gorgeous, the arrangement is superb and I’ve run out of adjectives now. I was lucky enough to spend a few days working with Nicole on our retreat with DHC and I learnt so much from her.
Next up we have the harp video legend that is Amy Turk. This is from last year and I can’t wait to see what she comes up with this year. Also, it’s really easy to feel obliged to smile when you’re playing, but I love how Amy’s expression is one of intense focus but she never looks miserable or cross (which I often do when playing!)
If you’re a Die Hard fan there are a few sneaky references in the video apparently - I’ve never seen it so my appreciation is for the incredible skilfulness of Amy’s playing, and the creativeness of the arrangements and the videos she puts together.
She has a Patreon page here where you can support her incredible work.
I think this will be the year I watch Die Hard….
Another incredible version of Sleigh Ride which is truly mindbending - beautifully done by Rachel Lee Hall. This would also explain why it’s so hard to play on one harp - you need five at the same time to really do it justice!
This version of Carol of the Bells by Eihwaz is so atmospheric and makes me want to hop on a plane to Brittany:
It wouldn’t be a post about harp videos without the Harp Twins so here you go - O Holy Night. I’m sure there was a different version of this years ago where their dog lay in between the harps but I must have been imagining it.
They have LOADS of videos all filmed in different places with different costumes, and they are certainly very popular!
I’m going to finish with a great arrangement, great playing and TOTAL commitment - Keziah you must have been absolutely freezing!!