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  This
rare release from Covenant Communications features a posthumous
collection of works by harpist Clare Bender and is a soothing respite
from the cacophony of the world. The compilation includes 16 tracks,
all Hymns or songs from the LDS Children's Songbook. Four are medleys.
This
is simple and unadorned music. Bender doesn't wander all over the
harp, trying to impress. These are inspirational songs done almost
straight from the piano arrangements as they exist in the Hymnal
and Children's Songbook. The medleys show off her skill a bit more,
using a wider range of the harp, but still maintaining the sparing
treatment.
The
harp has the capacity to make almost anything sound sacred. Bender's
restraint is admirable and makes for a pleasant listening experience.
I liked all 16 tracks and loved that the album started off with
"If You Could Hie to Kolob," which is one of my personal
favorites among the LDS Hymns. The liner notes don't say who selected
the music for the album, but whoever did chose to cluster songs
with similar themes together. So the album flows from songs about
Heavenly Father, through topics of Prayer, Loving Thy Neighbor,
Love in the Home and finally the Love of Our Savior.
While
I liked the whole album, I would be remiss not to note that I've
heard more impressive performances. I know of a pair of harpists
based in Tucson, Arizona, who do utilize the full range of the harp
more artistically. Their names are Bethany Evans Shingleton and
Nichole Neely. They released an album of harp duets in 1999 that
was excellent. Consequently I don't feel right awarding this album
more than 3.5 stars.
Before
I close, I mentioned that the collection is posthumous. The liner
notes give a brief biography of Bender, but neglect to mention the
nature of the recordings. It's unclear whether she performed while
she was terminally ill or whether this is a true compilation from
a larger existing body of work. The vagueness aside, this is Sabbath-worthy
music and would make a worthwhile addition to a family's Sabbath
collection.
Check
back on the website soon to see if Shingleton and Neely released
anything new since 1999.
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Dacia
A. Blodgett-Williams
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