Harpist Timbre has released a Christmas record, "Silent Night", that manages to be both incredibly unique and nostalgic, reminding listeners of snowy Christmas Eves and joyful Christmas mornings. The album is made up of incredibly creative re-imaginations of traditional Christmas carols, breathing new life and depth into their arrangements.
The songs feature Timbre Cierpke on harp and vocals, effortlessly soaring into the upper registers of her soprano voice, while showcasing the harp's magical qualities. This is a unique record in that it features the musical union of a family. Timbre's siblings Tenor, Treble, and Tetra are all featured on this record on piano, cello, and vocals. The connection between these family members brings energy and a unique sense of their closeness in the musical arrangements.
The album was recorded almost entirely in the Cathedral of Incarnation in Nashville Tn, capturing the incredible accoustics and natural warmth of this beautiful space. The first track, "Angelus", was actually written in and for this space. It features the Latin inscription that lines the walls of the cathedral, and is sung in a chant form, using the space as amplification, captured only by room mics, so that the space can be felt and heard. The words speak of the annunciation, the announcement of Christ's birth to Mary by the angel Gabriel, and so it is the perfect opening to the album.
"Silent Night" also features a full 30 voice choir, which is showcased wonderfully in an a cappella arrangement of "Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence". There are also strings and brass, and a few percussive elements of drums, toy piano, and glockenspiel.
This album is a perfect picture of Christmas, both peaceful and energetic. It captures the feeling of family, the crispness of winter, and the warmth of Christmas morning.
credits
released November 25, 2011
All songs written, arranged, orchestrated, and owned by Timbre Cierpke, with Tenor, Treble, and Tetra Cierpke, unless otherwise noted. Copyright 2011.
Credits:
Angelus- Timbre Cierpke (dedicated to the Cathedral of Incarnation in Nashville TN)
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel –text by John Mason Neale and Henry Sloane Coffin, traditional French melody
Carol of the Bells –text and melody by Mykola Leontovych
The Robin Red Breast – Timbre Cierpke
Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence – text by Gerard Moultrie, tradional French melody
Silent Night- text by Joseph Mohr, melody by Franz Xaver Gruber
O Little Town of Bethlehem – text by Phillips Brooks, melody by Lewis Redner
Joy to the World – text by Isaac Watts
What Child Is This? – traditional English tune “Greensleeves”
Guests:
Holly Rudge- violin
Jessica Justice- violin
Robert Gay- trumpet
Tara Kloostra – french horn
Joey Dykes – trombone
Trevecca Madrigalian Choir and guests :
Timbre Cierpke, Treble Cierpke, Tetra Cierpke, Tenor Cierpke, Lauren Brown, Billy Blackman, Lydia Carraway, Kaitlin Crofford, Cameron Culver, Fiona Doughtery, Merri Duff, Christine Duke, Rachel Frame, Aubree Garma, Parker Guthrie, Cassie Langjahr, Taylor McPherson, Kyle Peterman, Michael Pretorius, Emily Reed, Stephen Rudge, Nicole Sexton, Carissa Shockley, Zach Shockley, Joshua Smith, J.R. Smith , Kayla Steward , Ari Welch , Brianna Westmoreland, Allison Lafoe, Amanda Daughtry, Brenton Griffith, Caitlin VanKeuren, Cameron Culver, Carlie Moore, Cassie Hamilton, Elizabeth Duke, Eric Baldwin, Garen Webb, Holly Rudge, Kathleen Dunn, Kyle Peterman, Nick Schwarz, Stephen Rudge, TJ Adams, Trey Blackman, Tyler Evick, Christopher Anderson, Karina Hinch
All songs recorded and mixed by Chad Wahlbrink at the Cathedral of Incarnation in Nashville TN, except for Joy to the World, which was recorded at Robert E. Mulloy Studio A in Nashville TN. Robin Red Breast was recorded and mixed by Patrick Damphier. Mastered by Alan Douches at West West Side Mastering.
Nashville based harpist/songwriter Timbre has been enchanting audiences across the world with her unique harp-based folk
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This is the band that backed me for two years, recording most of Little Flowers with me. This music is simply beautiful, but incredibly intricate and intense. They are one of my favourite bands. Timbre
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