Andrew Lawrence-King's "King David's Harp" is a captivating journey through the realms of Celtic and medieval music, released in February 1998 under the Deutsche Harmonia Mundi label. This enchanting collection features 21 tracks, spanning a total of 74 minutes, and was recorded at the acoustically rich St. Andrew's in Toddington, Bedfordshire, UK, during November 1997 and January 1998. As a specialist in early and medieval music, Andrew Lawrence-King brings his unique expertise to the harp, offering a blend of tone colors and melodic shifts that are both effortless and mesmerizing.
The album opens with "Symphony: King David's Air" and closes with "David of the White Rock (Dafydd y garreg-wen)," framing a diverse selection of pieces that include toccatas, preludes, suites, and the iconic "Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Aria." Each track showcases Lawrence-King's mastery of the harp, as well as his ability to seamlessly integrate elements from various musical traditions. From the intricate "Toccata in D minor" to the delicate "Suite d'Amour," and the lively "Gigue," the album is a testament to Lawrence-King's versatility and virtuosity.
Born in Guernsey on September 3, 1959, Andrew Lawrence-King is not only a renowned classical harpist but also the director of The Harp Consort. His work on "King David's Harp" underscores his deep understanding of historical performance practices and his commitment to bringing these timeless pieces to life with authenticity and passion. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast of medieval music or a curious newcomer, this album promises an immersive and enriching listening experience.
(P) 1998 BMG Entertainment
Tracks
Symphony: King David's AirGeorge Frideric Handel, Andrew Lawrence-King
Toccata in D minorJohann Jakob Froberger, Andrew Lawrence-King
PreludeJohann Sebastian Bach, Andrew Lawrence-King
Suite d'Amour: Allemande d'AmourDietrich Buxtehude, Andrew Lawrence-King
Suite d'Amour: CouranteDietrich Buxtehude, Andrew Lawrence-King
Suite d'Amour: Sarabande d'Amour & Sarabande IIDietrich Buxtehude, Andrew Lawrence-King
Suite d'Amour: GigueDietrich Buxtehude, Andrew Lawrence-King
PassacaglieDietrich Buxtehude, Andrew Lawrence-King
Toccata IVMatthias Weckmann, Andrew Lawrence-King
Aria & Menuets in A minor: AriaAnonymous, Andrew Lawrence-King
Aria & Menuets in A minor: MenuetsAnonymous, Andrew Lawrence-King
Prelude in FJohann Caspar Ferdinand Fischer, Andrew Lawrence-King
Suite for Lute in E Major, BWV 1006a: I. PreludeJohann Sebastian Bach, Andrew Lawrence-King
Suite for Lute in E Major, BWV 1006a: II. LoureJohann Sebastian Bach, Andrew Lawrence-King
Suite for Lute in E Major, BWV 1006a: III. Gavotte en RondeauxJohann Sebastian Bach, Andrew Lawrence-King
Suite for Lute in E Major, BWV 1006a: IV. Menuet l & llJohann Sebastian Bach, Andrew Lawrence-King
Suite for Lute in E Major, BWV 1006a: V. BouréeJohann Sebastian Bach, Andrew Lawrence-King
Suite for Lute in E Major, BWV 1006a: VI. GigueJohann Sebastian Bach, Andrew Lawrence-King
Prelude in CJohann Sebastian Bach, Andrew Lawrence-King
Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: AriaJohann Sebastian Bach, Andrew Lawrence-King
David of the White Rock (Dafydd y garreg-wen)Anonymous, Andrew Lawrence-King