Review and More

Our Review

Rita Costanzi's Pastorales de Noël is an intensely beautiful tapestry of music, and it is more than just Costanzi's exquisite harp. She is joined by a small ensemble (her husband Victor Costanzi on violin; Kathleen Rudolph on flute; and Jesse Read on bassoon), and the result is breathtaking. This is an instrumental classical release that strikes the perfect balance for the holidays.

What is the perfect balance? First, the song selection is smart, balancing the familiar with lesser known pieces, combining traditional, classical, and folk themes from diverse countries. The 21 tracks (well over an hour of music!) include some of my personal favorite carols--such as "The Huron Carol," "The Coventry Carol," "I Wonder as I Wander," and "The Christ Child's Lullaby." Second, the harp is a superb instrument for the season, evoking warm emotions and calling out in the most joyous and angelic tones, and Costanzi's harp is pricelessly emotive. Third, combining the harp with the violin, flute, and bassoon was genius; these voices combine is a winning way that sweeps spellbound listeners along. Finally, the release balances tempo and tone, the calm and the vigorous, in a most rewarding way.

Pastorales de Noël is an instrumental album that is often contemplative, but never dour. The introspective pieces are gentle, almost fragile; thought-provoking, but not depressing. The spirited sections lift and invigorate. The CD closes very well with the flute and harp running through twelve variations of the traditional "Greensleeves" melody.

This music will provide a sophisticated backdrop for any seasonal event. Rita Costanzi's Pastorales de Noël is an exceptional holiday gift!

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2005)

More

From the liner notes:

Rita Costanzi, harp
Victor Costanzi, violin
Kathleen Rudolph, flute
Jesse Read, bassoon

Notes by Rita Costanzi:

In our modern secular age, it is remarkable that we still experience carol-singing and traditional celebrations of the Christmas Festival. Pastorales de Noel offers a tender and intimate portrait of the entire Christmas Story--from the Angel Gabriel's Annuniciation to the visit of the Wise Men--through the voice of one of the most ancient instruments, the harp.

Musically, the word pastorale denotes those vocal or instrumental pieces written in imitation of the shepherd's music played on shawms and pipes, with a lilting melody flowing over a drone-like bass. The siciliana rhythm of the Italian shepherds inspired many eighteenth century composers to use it as a suggestion of Christmas.

This disc creates a tapestry from different countries, woven of traditional, folk and classical threads, with a predominant French colour, and represents music that I have acquired and performed from childhood to the present, in celebration of this special festival.

From the Web site:

Virtuoso harpist Rita Costanzi has been heralded as one of today's most gifted artists, and is highly acclaimed for the penetrating depth and sensitivity of her interpretations. Demonstrating the full potential of her chosen instrument, she appears to encompass all other art forms in her playing. The delicacy and grace of her movements hardly prepare the listener for the power of expression that seems not so much to emanate from her, but through her. In her hands the harp comes alive with a unique magnetism and force evoking a response in the audience so profound that it has been said "No one who hears her can remain unchanged."

Heralded as an "artist of immense gifts", Harpist Rita Costanzi continues to captivate audiences with the warmth, conviction and exquisite virtuosity of her playing. Recipient of the Lily Laskine Award, the ITT International Fellowship and twice the winner of the American Harp Society Competition, she has performed at the Tanglewood, Marlboro and Chautauqua Festivals, at the Sixth World Harp Congress and as a concerto soloist with orchestras across North America. Highly acclaimed for her outstanding musicianship and extensive repertoire, she pursues an active solo, chamber music and recording career. . .

She began her musical studies under the guidance of her father, the noted violist Francis Tursi, and harpist Eileen Malone. After graduating from the Eastman School of Music with Highest Distinction and the Performer's Certificate, she continued her studies in New York with Marcel Grandjany and in Paris with Jacqueline Borot.

Formerly Principal Harpist with the Vancouver Symphony, she is currently Principal Harpist with the CBC Radio Orchestra. She is on the performing faculty at the University of British Columbia, and gives Master Classes in conjuction with her solo appearances.

Rita Costanzi

Pastorales de Noël

Order from Amazon

Track List