Geantraí, vol.1: Irish Dance Tunes for Wire-Strung Harp

In Irish mythology, the harpist Uaithne of the Dagda, the "Good God," used the magical power of his harp to defeat the Fomorians, a race of giants and enemies of the Tuatha Dé Danann.

In praise of Uaithne's achievement, the Dagda played three kinds of music on his harp. From its iron strings came the music of sleep, suantraí; from its brass strings, the music of laughter, geantraí; and from its silver strings, the music of sorrow, goltraí. These are said to be the origins of Irish music.

From these, this album focuses on geantraí-the lively music of joy and laughter. It presents a selection of 23 Irish dance tunes, ranging from spirited, festive pieces to gentle and humorous melodies that warm the heart.

All performances are recorded using twelve different harps, both wire-strung and carbon-strung, designed and built by the performer himself.

Instruments
Paulownia carbon-strung harp (op.151, 20 strings, G4-E7)
Sycamore wire-strung harp (op.270, 20 strings, G3-E6)
Alder wire-strung harp (op.273, 20 strings, G3-E6)
Sycamore wire-strung harp (op.291, 20 strings, G3-E6)
Japanese cypress wire-strung harp "Dragon Harp" (op.311, 20 strings, G3-E6)
Japanese cypress wire-strung harp "Shamrock" (op.317, 20 strings, G3-E6)
Linden/Katsura carbon-strung harp (op.335, 20 strings, G2-E5)
Magnolia/Katsura carbon-strung harp (op.341, 13 strings, G5-E7)
Magnolia/Japanese cypress wire-strung harp (op.344, 13 strings, F2-D4)
Prunus/Maple wire-strung harp "Cinnamon of Splendour" (op.350, 31 strings, C2-E6)
Japanese cypress wire-strung harp (op.361, 20 strings, G3-E6)
Magnolia/Japanese cypress carbon-strung harp (op.363, 20 strings, G4-E7)

Cover Art: Tomoko Nakai, Star Merry-Go-Round (F3)
https://cinamon.thebase.in/items/64404567

Liner Notes (Japanese):
https://note.com/carolanacademy/n/n42d75801b354