Yule-tide music for the Celtic harp.
The word yule is from an Old English word meaning Christmas, geol.
Yuletide is celbrated at the time of year when light returns to the
world. As the physical light returns with the barely perceptible
lengthening of days, we also envision spiritual light bathing the earth
with good will and community. In this spirit of global well-being,
proceeds from this recording will be forwarded to an organization
dedicated to enhancing world-wide service - The Krista Foundation
-Rosewood Music, 2001.
Laura Zaerr began playing the harp at the age of ten. She studied at the
university of Oregon under the direction of Sally Maxwell where she
obtained a bachelor's degree in music performance and composition. She
was a three-time recipient of the Ruth Lorraine Close award for musical
studies. In 1981-82 she studied harp in Paris with Bertille Fournier.
She took her master's degree in harp performance at the Eastman School
of Music where she studied with Eileen Malone. While at Eastman she
recorded with Wynton Marsalis, Benita Valente, and James Galway.
Laura Zaerr's artistry as a soloist earned her the honor of being
included on the American Harp Society Concert Artist Program. In this
capacity she performed solo recitals throughout the United States.
Locally she has appeared as part of the Abbey Bach Festival and the
O.S.U. Winter Music Festival. She has also appeared as guest artist with
several orchestras throughout Oregon and California, including the Rogue
Valley Symphony, the Linfield Chamber Orchestra, and the Diablo Symphony
in Walnut Creek. Aside from her solo work, Laura is a member of the
Portland based Oregon Renaissance Band as well as the Celtic band
Village Green, based in Corvallis. Laura has also served as the harpist
for the Alaskan Cruise ship S.S. Universe Explorer.
In addition to harp performance, Laura studied composition at the
University of Oregon with Derek Healey. Her compositions include works
for string quartet, woodwind quintet, choir, and most recently a
concerto for Celtic harp and orchestra. Laura blends her strong
classical background with her love of Celtic harp music to achieve a
dazzling showcase for the popular Celtic harp.
Laura Zaerr's artistic interests extend beyond classical music. She has
collaborated with her sister Linda Marie, who is a medievalist, in
storytelling. Their consort Psallite presents a collage of poetry,
drama, and music from the Middle Ages. She and her father built an Irish
harp which she now uses for performing traditional celtic music and
Medieval Music. Their work can be seen and heard on a video of The
Weddyng of Sir Gawain and Dame Ragnel funded by the National Endowment
for the Arts. Laura's exquisite performances of little-known classical
harp works on this unique and beautiful instrument have gained national
attention.
| track samples - 60 sec. |
| 1. Helston Furry Dance | |
| 2. Greensleeves Variations | |
| 3. Lo, How a Rose e'er Blooming | |
| 4. Lute Book Lullaby | |
| 5. Viewpoint | |
| 6. Quem Pastores | |
| 7. Angelus ad virginem | |
| 8. Hodie Christus Natus est | |
| 9. Wonderous Love | |
| 10. The Angel Gabriel | |
| 11. Tambourine | |
| 12. Infant Holy | |
| 13. Christ Child's Lullaby | |
| 14. Irish Carol | |
| 15. Christmas Day i' da Morning | |
| 16. Dancing with the Stars |
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